[QBM]

I got this drive from my dad, it worked fine when he had it, he just didn't need the functionality. It works okay with DVDs, but it refuses to accept CDs, even commercial ones, to the point of not even saying it has anything in it's tray. It makes a revving noise, then a skipping noise as it trys to read the CD. And yes, I've tried the MS registry fudge.

 

[Inactive]

updating the firmware is one option. you can get the necessary info here. i suppose the device manager shows no problems with any of the hardware?

 

[QBM]

I just double-checked, and I somehow managed to miss a firmware revision. But even now, with the latest firmware, I have the same problems. And no, the device manager does not display any errors.

 

[Inactive]

when the drive starts to play only certain discs, i'd guess that it is faulty.

 

[QBM]

I know that that is a possibility, but a friend of mine has said that DVD drives use a different laser to read CDs, and that that laser might have gotten dusty. Is this possible? And if it is, is there any way to fix it?

 

[Inactive]

i've seen discs with little brushes attached on the underside, designed to brush the lens clean. i've also heard that these invariably scratch the lens as well. there are plenty to be found online, but i didn't come across a good image of one.

 

[Dry Crick]

The DVD and CD-R are different parts of the same unit. The average life of the NEC drive is about a year. Luckily the reliable LG, LiteOn and others are very low cost at such places as Wal-Mart. Or get a Plextor or Yamaha if you want one with long life... but you will pay.