CD drive problems...

**chocolatecoveredbacon** · 01-31-2008, 04:14 PM

anyone good with computers? i've got a DVD/CD RW drive in my laptop. doesn't seem to be reading anything. I'm trying to install software from a cd, but it won't show up.

It stopped burning cds about a year ago...could never figure out why. Some error always came up. DVDs still seemed to burn fine. I rarely use the drive anymore...but now I'm realizing that it won't even read a disc...any ideas of what might be wrong/how to fix it?

**chocolatecoveredbacon** · 01-31-2008, 09:59 PM

anyone...? i don't even know where to begin.

**timvwcom** · 01-31-2008, 10:34 PM

1) Try and recreate error message, transcribe it PRECISELY... Google that error message and scan top 10 or so results for options.

2) Go to operating system update page -AND- hardware manufacturer site and make sure any required or optional driver updates for this device are installed.

3) [CAUTION] This step easier to do with desktops because their hardware/driver implementations aren't tightly coordinated like laptops, but... Find drivers listed for that drive (different process for different operating systems), either try and use a built-in "update driver" process, or [CAUTION] Delete drivers completely, then shut down and restart... Your system SHOULD re-recognize the drive and try and install drivers again. Of course, it could install the same non-working driver... so if you have access to clean copy on system software or from manufacturer web site may try and get them installed instead.

4) Get help... Call a manufacturer help line, call your smartest computer buddy, call/take computer to Geek Squad or whatever.

In the end, it could be that something has just broken or stopped working and all the driver repair in the world won't get it going again. Then decide if system is worth repair...

Good Luck... not always easy.

**Crass3000** · 01-31-2008, 11:32 PM

Originally Posted by timvwcom

1) Try and recreate error message, transcribe it PRECISELY... Google that error message and scan top 10 or so results for options.
.

Yep when you get an error message the chances are hundreds of people have had the same error and you can easily search for a solution on google.

And BTW... tech talk JONG

**counterfeitfake** · 01-31-2008, 11:50 PM

At this point it sounds like it's just broken. I am awesome with computers but I can't do anything about that. Does it spin the disc?

G · 02-01-2008, 01:59 AM

It sounds to me like your optical drive is low on pepsi. use a funnel and pour around 200 milliliters into any available USB port. (or 400 mL if you use diet pepsi)

Hugh Conway · 02-01-2008, 02:20 AM

If it's a dell latitude you can have mine

**vinzclortho** · 02-01-2008, 10:49 AM

clean it with fire.

or just go on ebay and buy a new drive. look for ones that are "New Pulls" as opposed to New or Used. They will be cheaper than new (usually) and better than used. New Pull means it was put into a machine that was going to be sold as a whole laptop and then was taken apart to be sold as parts so the drive was never used but may have a blemish or two on the exterior.

**chocolatecoveredbacon** · 02-01-2008, 11:54 AM

doesn't seem to be spinning up. the computer reconizes that the drive is there...but nothing happens when i put a disc in. i haven't even been getting an error message because nothing happens. i'll take a look at the drivers and try to reload/update them

**PassTheDutchie** · 02-01-2008, 12:08 PM

Dude, your CD/DVD drive is worn out/broken. Buy a new one. Install. Problem solved. They are the first things to go and often go quickly...

**chocolatecoveredbacon** · 02-01-2008, 12:20 PM

yeah...this computer is getting kind of old, so i'm not too surprised. don't know if it's even worth buying a new drive at this point. i was hoping this wasn't the case.