slimtype combo LSC 24082K not working

hello techies,

my cdrw/dvd combo drive (slimtype combo LSC 24082K) on my Acer Travelmate 291LCi laptop stopped working at the end of its guaranty period. I want to figure out if this is some solvable problem, or if the device is dead for ever.

My observations:
1.The drive is detected by windows (XP + SP2) and shows in 'safely remove Hardware' tray icon
2. Nero info tool detects the drive at secondary master
3.any disc(cd/dvd) i load, will spin, spin, and spin.Then stops - no disc detected.
3. When i load a bootable disc before switching on (or booting), the drive is ejected automatically (No spinning)

Before this total breakdown happened, i had problems with reading some discs (or to say, random behavior. But writing was still working). Current situation : NO READ NO WRITE ONLY SPIN

Any suggestions are most awaited. I have seen similar problems discussed in many forums, but there is no conclusion for the discussions. The last SUCCESS/FAILURE post is missing in all.

Also please suggest the cheap replacement alternatives if this is a permanent failure.

Thanks in advance

Welcome to Windrivers Matthew M

I'm sorry, you need to choose some funeral music... Just one thing to make sure of, when you attempted to boot the laptop from the cd drive, was the cd bootable? And was the bios/setup set to boot from CD? If so, it's most definitely deaddedder.

Replacements depends on where you are in the world. Start by asking your local Acer people how much a proper replacement is. Certainly in the UK, they are not too bad.

hello NooNoo,

Thanks for that.
My boot conditions are true. I am in Germany.. so have to look in the german sites. It seems the cost is aroud 100€.
Do u have any idea, if i can put any slimtype drives in my laptop?? for eg a simple cd reader instead of the costly burners. Any ideas welcomed!!

What are firmware updates? for cd/dvd drives?? should i try anything in that direction to confirm the death?

Thanks again

you will need a burner to back up your hard drive...

Nope, don't bother it's dead. Es ist kaput, tot... schade

Ever thought about an external drive? Those might be cheaper.

i have thought of externals..but then came the doubt whether i will be able to boot/ re/install OS with an external drive (usually they come with an usb interface right??)? TO backup data i can use memory stick. Important is the OS installation etc.

Check your laptop, you may be able to even boot from a usb key....