Windows 2000 no longer detects my CD-ROM

Hello,
I have a Compaq 5170 computer. The CD-ROM is Compaq CRD-8322B. I have had this computer for about 4 years now and the CD was working fine up until a couple of weeks ago. Now I can't use it to play any CDs. It doesn't even show up in My Computer. I went into Device Manager and it shows that, indeed, it is there and even states that the device is working properly. The caddie also opens when you press the button, but if you insert a CD and close it, it will not play. Anybody, please help! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" />

Check the data cable (wide ribbon) connection at the cd-rom and at the motherboard. Sometimes they wiggle loose for seemingly no reason. After 4 years though, you can probably expect bigger problems.

I would also try plugging in the power connector to the CDROM again. Occassionally they pop loose and have to be reconnected.

If this solution above doesn't work I would also try running your add/remove hardware wizard in the Control Panel.

If it shows that all devices are present and accounted for I would try removing the CDROM from the Device Manager and then restarting. If it automatically detects a CDROM then you are home free. IF it doesn't then run the ADD/REmove Wizard again.

If it doesn't detect it, you probably have a bad ribbon cable that has to be replaced or a bad wire in the power connector to the CDROM .

Simple test:

This drive is an LG and appears to have a play button on the front. See if it plays a music CD using the front panel controls. If it can, investigate drivers and data cable.

If not, the most likely causes are a dirty laser lens (it can be cleaned), otherwise failure of laser, spin motor, pickup loom etc in which case replace the drive.

There is a know issue after updating with service pack 2 in 2000. Same thing happened to me. There is a patch you need to run from M$ but for the life of me I can't find it. I put a post about this up here and one of the regulars hepled me, but I can't remember who that was either.

M$ KB points to this for SR2 issues:

<a href="http://support.microsoft.com/support/ServicePacks/Windows/2000/Win2000_Post-SP2_Hotfixes.asp" target="_blank">http://support.microsoft.com/support/ServicePacks/Windows/2000/Win2000_Post-SP2_Hotfixes.asp</a>