IOMEGA 4X4X32 CDRW just stopped working

[d3funct]

I have an IOMEGA 4X4X32 CDRW which is about 2 years old that just stopped working as a CDRW. It reads cd's (audio and data ) just fine. But when I put in a blank CD-R or CD-RW the CD just sits in the drive and I can hear it spinning up for about 30-45 seconds then it stops spinning and nothing happens. I unplugged the CDRW from Windows98, and rebooted, to remove the device from the system. Then I shutdown and plugged it back in, in hopes of getting it recognized again. It is seen again (as a CDRW), but doesn't work in the CDRW mode. What could the problem be? Any help would be appreciated. An infinite number of monkey typing at an infinite number of keyboards will eventually populate the internet.

 

[PCmad]

What software are you using to burn a CD with? If you are using Roxio Easy CD creator 5 make sure you have downloaded the patch on the website, think it is about 18mb.

 

[d3funct]

No, I'm using Nero burning software. But, even before I try burning I'm having problems. As I said, when I just insert a brand new cd-r or cd-rw into the drive, the drive doesn't see it. The cd spins for about 30-45 seconds and the read-light blinks intermittently, then goes out and the cd stops spinning. If I then try to access the disk, the drive acts like there is nothing in the drive at all. I'm pretty sure it's a hardware problem. An infinite number of monkey typing at an infinite number of keyboards will eventually populate the internet.

 

[WheeDoggy]

Have you tried cleaning it?

<cfif IsStressed(objWheeDoggy)>
<!--- 10%/hour/each day --->
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</cfif>

 

[d3funct]

No, how would I clean it? I have a computer cleaning kit w/ alcohol, swabs, lint-free cloths, but how do I clean inside the CD-rom? What specifically should I clean in it? An infinite number of monkey typing at an infinite number of keyboards will eventually populate the internet.

 

[jon1117]

First off, have you tried to burn a CD using the Nero Software by going through the whole buring process?

Secondly, if you put a blank CD into a CDRW drive and try to access it from My Computer it will always tell you that it cannot access it, the disk hasn't been written and formatted yet. even though you have the disk in your drive properties in My Computer will just say CDRW, it won't say &quot;Blank Disc&quot;

Thirdly, if you try it and the CD does burn as I asked above, then it's probably just a matter of your Nero isn't detecting the blank and automatically opening, which there should be a place to turn the setting on in options.

 

[247henderson]

burn-out is common in older cdrw and even newer models. i had the same problem. it would read fine but half way thru a burning process, burn error & incomplete. i'd start with a fresh cdr and still same error just at different times in the burn process

 

[drdebit]

Have you made any hardware or software changes in the time frame the drive stopped working?

 

[d3funct]

jon1117: I had previously (for about 9 months) been able to write and re-write CD's on this drive using the Nero software. Successfully. Secondly, I know that the system will not &quot;see&quot; a blank disk in the drive, I don't try to access the disk with My Computer.

drdebit: I have not made any hardware or software changes other than upgrading my greeting card program. An infinite number of monkey typing at an infinite number of keyboards will eventually populate the internet.

 

[rockerfellerz]

You can buy a lens cleaning kit for cd roms. I think your drive is probably bad but cleaning the lens is worth a try and you can still use it to clean a new drive later. I take it this is an external drive? If it is, (or even if it isn't) you should try it in another machine and see if it will work there. If you're going through Hell...keep going... (Winston Churchill)
RocKeRFelLerZ

 

[drdebit]

Re wheedoggy's cleaning comment,
My cleaner is a cd with a couple of brushes on it.
the package says &quot;The CD Lens Kleener uses special fibre brushes to effectively remove dust, dirt, and oil from the lens.&quot; you use it per instructions on the package.
Beyond trying that, I think this one is over my head.

 

[d3funct]

Rockerfellerz: No, this is an internal drive. I'll try it on my other system and see what happens. Thanks for the info on the cleaner. An infinite number of monkey typing at an infinite number of keyboards will eventually populate the internet.

 

[drdebit]

r
sorry we must have been typing at the same time

 

[WheeDoggy]

d3funct-

What rockerfellerz said.

You can get a kit for about $10.00, could always use it later, and may possibly save you from trashing a cdrw that may not be completely dead.
<cfif IsStressed(objWheeDoggy)>
<!--- 10%/hour/each day --->
<cf_objWheeDoggy BloodPressure=&quot;340%&quot;>
</cfif>

 

[d3funct]

Thanks all, I'll do the clean and if that doesn't work, I'll try it on my other box. The only reason I haven't yet is because my other box is a Linux system and installing CD-R's on Linux boxes has historically been a B*tch. An infinite number of monkey typing at an infinite number of keyboards will eventually populate the internet.