CD rom doesn't work.

[cougarfan]

Question:
MY CD rom doesn't read the disk. I have tried other disks and still no luck. When I push the buttom to have the tray come out so I can put the disk in, it does come out and go back in so there is power there - what else do I check before I go about getting another CD ROM.

If I need to go get another CD ROM, how hard is it to install a read/write CD rom compared to just a read CD rom....for a novelist, not a computer genious.

 

[danmoss]

Installing CD writers is about as tricky as CD-ROMs in my experience (i.e. screw the thing into the case, plug in the cables, turn on the PC and install the drivers). You will need some form of CD writing software, which will usually come bundled with the unit. Personally I like Ahead Nero, but I think that's a matter of taste really.

Little tip, make sure you use the screws that come with the drive, if you put screws that are too long into the drive, they can block the movement of the drawer and stop it opening (guess who found that one out the hard way!)

HTH
Dan Moss

 

[cdogg]

Does the CDROM drive show up under "My Computer" or in "Windows Explorer"? If so, then the laser lens may need cleaned. Also, it wouldn't hurt to check Device Manager and make sure there isn't an exclamation point or red X next to it.

Let us know what you find...


~cdogg

"The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources."
- A. Einstein

 

[cougarfan]

cdogg , how does a novice computer person clean the laser?

 

[drdebit]

thread602-493790 includes comments about cleaning kits.

 

[Zych]

How do you have the drive installed? In other words is it the master of IDE 2 or slave to IDE 1?

Your best bet is to have the CD as master of IDE interface number 2. Your hard drive or drives should be on IDE interface 1. If you already have a CD drive on the second chain make sure it is set to master and the one you are adding is set to slave (or vice versa). Some drives have autoselect which only works with the correct type of cables.

 

[paparazi]

I would normally suggest stripping down and carefully cleaning the optics with a cotton Qtip and cleaning fluid
But as you admit to being a novice then using a proprietory disk cleaning may be your best bet.
Note* CDrom drives can have a relatively short service life and it is not unusual to replace them every 2-3years.
They only cost around £20 UK ($28 US) and can be swopped very easily (observe slave/master setting on old unit) and set new drive the same (single jumper on the rear of the drive) Martin Replying helps further our knowledge, without comment leaves us wondering.

 

[cdogg]

Believe it or not, a neat trick I picked up from a mag I read several years ago was to use a can of compressed air. This is the easiest, quickest, and safest way to clean the laser lens and it works 99% of the time (or at least it has for me). Just eject the tray and spray into the drive, that's all there is to it!

I can't tell you how many times just using compressed air on a cdrom has bailed me out of trouble. Just be sure to use short spurts - holding the trigger down too long can cause condensation which might fog the lens for several minutes.

If for some reason that doesn't help, also go out and purchase a laser lens cleaner which you can find anywhere for like $7. It's usually a CD that has tiny brushes on its data side that cleans the lens as it spins across. This method isn't as safe, but works just as well.


~cdogg

"The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources."
- A. Einstein