Combo drive refuses to read discs...

~~Tokaia~~ · 12-26-2006, 08:40 PM

I've only had this problem since I installed service pack 2. When the problem started, it had just been picky about the discs it read. It would not read any colored discs. Just the silver ones. Now, it won't read any. And I can't burn anything using windows' built-in burning program anymore. I have to use another program to burn my discs. But what good are backups if my drive can't read discs?

I've solved all kinds of annoying problems on my own before. But this it just too much!

**kev1952** · 12-26-2006, 10:55 PM

You could try using a CD laser cleaner to get rid of any dust buildup on the laser write head[s]. Apart from installing SP2 (which wouldn't be the cause of the problem) have you done any work on your machine inside the covers? If so, check the cables to all your drives - make sure they are fitted correctly and tight. You may have knocked a cable and broke a connection to the drive.

If that doesn't fix it then remove it and try it on another known working machine. If the other machine can't read it as well then replace the drive - dirt cheap nowadays.

~~Tokaia~~ · 12-27-2006, 08:46 AM

Yeah, I did recently mess around in my computer. But only to check the cables on the drive. There wasn't anything physically wrong that I could see.

It used to be such a good computer. But I've been having all sorts of problems with it lately. Sometimes it even refuses to shut down or restart. My UPS kept shutting down my computer whenever I tried to turn it on... That UPS works fine with other things.

~~Tokaia~~ · 12-27-2006, 07:52 PM

It looks like I very well may have to get a new drive. I want something that doesn't cost too much, reads/writes CD-R's, and reads/writes DVD's. Any suggestions?

**koala** · 12-28-2006, 02:56 AM

LG $31
Lite-On $34
Asus $30
NEC $33
Pioneer $33

**speedster123** · 12-28-2006, 04:41 AM

Bypass the ups and post your system specs.

~~Tokaia~~ · 12-28-2006, 09:44 AM

My system specs are as follows:

The computer is a Compaq Presario S3040SE running Wondows XP Home Edition Version 2002 SP2.

Processor is Pentium 4 2.40GHz, and 760 MB or RAM. I added the last 512 myself.

This is not the same OS that came on my computer. It came with Windows, but some time later I put Linux on, hated it, then bought Windows ($83 on Ebay). But I was having this problem long before all that.

And Koala, thanks for the links! Out of those, I already know which one I'm buying! :D

**kev1952** · 12-28-2006, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tokaia

....... It used to be such a good computer. But I've been having all sorts of problems with it lately....

List some of the other problems you are having.

~~Tokaia~~ · 12-29-2006, 04:21 AM

The ones I listed are the only (possibly)hardware-related ones I'm having. The only other one I'm having is related to non-hardware issues.

**kev1952** · 12-29-2006, 04:57 PM

Were you able to test it on another machine as I suggested earlier?

~~Tokaia~~ · 12-30-2006, 11:15 AM

No. The only other computer in the place is my boyfriend's and he won't let me try it, even though I know exactly what I'm doing.

I've disassembled ane reassembled computers more than your average person and they still worked fine. I've installed various components for family members, as well. While I'm not by any means a pro, I'm not totally clueless, either.

I suppose it doesn't matter anyhow. I've wanted a DVD burner, and now I have a reason to buy one. It's on it's way here now.

Which reminds me... What can anyone tell me about hacked firmware? I'm interested in using it. I've ordered a Pioneer DVR-111D, and upon reading reviews for it, found out about hacked firmware. I've downloaded Region Killer, and some other things to bypass region counters in my software.

I've also got 111_106, 111DAB09, 111L_819, and 111L_829 to flash it with. I saw on a forum where someone with the same model I ordered used those four things and increased the capabilities if his drive.

**kev1952** · 12-31-2006, 03:05 AM

At least you chose a reliable brand - good work.

12-26-2006, 08:40 PM	#1 (permalink)
~~Tokaia~~ Register user Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Central IL Posts: 23 OS: WinXP	Combo drive refuses to read discs... I've only had this problem since I installed service pack 2. When the problem started, it had just been picky about the discs it read. It would not read any colored discs. Just the silver ones. Now, it won't read any. And I can't burn anything using windows' built-in burning program anymore. I have to use another program to burn my discs. But what good are backups if my drive can't read discs? I've solved all kinds of annoying problems on my own before. But this it just too much!

12-26-2006, 10:55 PM	#2 (permalink)
kev1952 TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Townsville, Australia Posts: 1,007 OS: Win Vista Home Premium	You could try using a CD laser cleaner to get rid of any dust buildup on the laser write head[s]. Apart from installing SP2 (which wouldn't be the cause of the problem) have you done any work on your machine inside the covers? If so, check the cables to all your drives - make sure they are fitted correctly and tight. You may have knocked a cable and broke a connection to the drive. If that doesn't fix it then remove it and try it on another known working machine. If the other machine can't read it as well then replace the drive - dirt cheap nowadays. __________________ Cheers.... Kev *"The Definition of an Upgrade: Take old bugs out, put new ones in."* Please don't send me PM's for support. Post in the forums for everyone to benefit.

12-28-2006, 02:56 AM	#5 (permalink)
koala Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: UK Posts: 12,381 OS: XP/7/Ubuntu My System	LG $31 Lite-On $34 Asus $30 NEC $33 Pioneer $33 __________________ New members: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. TSF Folding@Home Team 85015 - details here

12-28-2006, 04:41 AM	#6 (permalink)
speedster123 Mentor Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: United States-New York-Long Island Posts: 5,223 OS: xp pro SP3	Bypass the ups and post your system specs. __________________

12-28-2006, 09:44 AM	#7 (permalink)
~~Tokaia~~ Register user Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Central IL Posts: 23 OS: WinXP	My system specs are as follows: The computer is a Compaq Presario S3040SE running Wondows XP Home Edition Version 2002 SP2. Processor is Pentium 4 2.40GHz, and 760 MB or RAM. I added the last 512 myself. This is not the same OS that came on my computer. It came with Windows, but some time later I put Linux on, hated it, then bought Windows ($83 on Ebay). But I was having this problem long before all that. And Koala, thanks for the links! Out of those, I already know which one I'm buying! :D Last edited by Tokaia; 12-28-2006 at 09:49 AM.

12-27-2006, 08:46 AM	#3 (permalink)
~~Tokaia~~ Register user Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Central IL Posts: 23 OS: WinXP	Yeah, I did recently mess around in my computer. But only to check the cables on the drive. There wasn't anything physically wrong that I could see. It used to be such a good computer. But I've been having all sorts of problems with it lately. Sometimes it even refuses to shut down or restart. My UPS kept shutting down my computer whenever I tried to turn it on... That UPS works fine with other things.

12-27-2006, 07:52 PM	#4 (permalink)
~~Tokaia~~ Register user Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Central IL Posts: 23 OS: WinXP	It looks like I very well may have to get a new drive. I want something that doesn't cost too much, reads/writes CD-R's, and reads/writes DVD's. Any suggestions?

12-29-2006, 04:21 AM	#9 (permalink)
~~Tokaia~~ Register user Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Central IL Posts: 23 OS: WinXP	The ones I listed are the only (possibly)hardware-related ones I'm having. The only other one I'm having is related to non-hardware issues. Last edited by Tokaia; 12-29-2006 at 04:22 AM.

12-29-2006, 04:57 PM	#10 (permalink)
kev1952 TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Townsville, Australia Posts: 1,007 OS: Win Vista Home Premium	Were you able to test it on another machine as I suggested earlier? __________________ Cheers.... Kev *"The Definition of an Upgrade: Take old bugs out, put new ones in."* Please don't send me PM's for support. Post in the forums for everyone to benefit.

12-30-2006, 11:15 AM	#11 (permalink)
~~Tokaia~~ Register user Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Central IL Posts: 23 OS: WinXP	No. The only other computer in the place is my boyfriend's and he won't let me try it, even though I know exactly what I'm doing. I've disassembled ane reassembled computers more than your average person and they still worked fine. I've installed various components for family members, as well. While I'm not by any means a pro, I'm not totally clueless, either. I suppose it doesn't matter anyhow. I've wanted a DVD burner, and now I have a reason to buy one. It's on it's way here now. Which reminds me... What can anyone tell me about hacked firmware? I'm interested in using it. I've ordered a Pioneer DVR-111D, and upon reading reviews for it, found out about hacked firmware. I've downloaded Region Killer, and some other things to bypass region counters in my software. I've also got 111_106, 111DAB09, 111L_819, and 111L_829 to flash it with. I saw on a forum where someone with the same model I ordered used those four things and increased the capabilities if his drive. Last edited by Tokaia; 12-30-2006 at 11:34 AM.

12-31-2006, 03:05 AM	#12 (permalink)
kev1952 TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Townsville, Australia Posts: 1,007 OS: Win Vista Home Premium	At least you chose a reliable brand - good work. __________________ Cheers.... Kev *"The Definition of an Upgrade: Take old bugs out, put new ones in."* Please don't send me PM's for support. Post in the forums for everyone to benefit.