DVD not reading CDs (similar but different)

[CeeBee]

Try to see if it reads a manufactured CD. If you don't hear the disc spinning and picking up speed (and holding it for few seconds at least) after you insert it, then try to clean it (using a cleaning CD). If it still doesn't work it's defective. I have to admit I have seen a huge number of defective drives recently, so don't be surprised.

[acornhp]

Try to see if it reads a manufactured CD. If you don't hear the disc spinning and picking up speed (and holding it for few seconds at least) after you insert it, then try to clean it (using a cleaning CD). If it still doesn't work it's defective. I have to admit I have seen a huge number of defective drives recently, so don't be surprised.

Ok, well I tried listening this time and it picks up (wirr-hummm, wirr-hummm) and finally gives up. I have seen some postings about updating the firmware, but I only have a USB floppy so I can't get it to boot to that.

Anywho, the weirdest part was that the drive picked up, read the disk, played it. Then I started Itunes, it read it. Closed, ejected in anticipation of getting to install office - finally - and it wouldnt read again.

I did try changing from DMA to PIO, which is when it first worked. I dont know if any of these situations have ANYTHING to do with it.

Anywho. If anyone has recommendations on what to replace this drive with, I would appreciate it.

Aaron

[NooNoo]

If you have the service tag for the dell, then go here and enter it

That will list all the available downloads, you are particularly interested in bios updates, chipset patches and firmware updates.

Did office install ok?

[CeeBee]

If anyone has recommendations on what to replace this drive with, I would appreciate it.

Anything should work. You can get a CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD+/-RW... depends on what you want. They all seem to be cheap and bad these days, regardless of the brand. You might have more luck with a newer brand that is trying to get more market share. I know for a fact that some "brand-name" drives are made by a no-name company and then "branded" (SONY does it sometimes for example).
But before replacing it try to clean the optical system with a cleaning CD.

[CeeBee]

I tried listening this time and it picks up (wirr-hummm, wirr-hummm) and finally gives up.

That is unit failure, unrelated to any windowze madness.

[confus-ed]

That is unit failure, unrelated to any windowze madness.

Or a dirty lens, or a dirty cd ! - its this bit makes me think it wants to work ..

..the weirdest part was that the drive picked up, read the disk, played it. Then I started Itunes, it read it...

I just don't want him running away & spending cash un-necessarily - this unit could well be failing, but then again ...

[confus-ed]

Try to see if it reads a manufactured CD..

Yeah .. but not like you said , eliminate any potential 'windows madness' by testing your unit by trying to boot from an M$ system CD (any o/s will do & don't let any setup routine go too far !)..

The 'intermittent' nature of this, says to me 'dirty' or software setup & not unit failure, going & buying a new (even cheap) unit may leave you just where you are now...