LiteOn Slimtype Combo LSC-24082k no longer recognizing DVDs

So my combo DVD/CD-RW drive worked fine until just recently. Then all of a sudden it started having problems with writing CDs, but for some reason restarting at least once between each CD seemed to fix the problem. Now however, it won't even recognize DVDs. I have tried several different movies as well as burnt discs and every time it says that there is no disc in the drive and pops it out. I have reformatted the hard drive, uninstalled the drive while in safe mode, and even re-flashed the firmware so I am pretty confident that this is a hardware issue. Is there anything I can do short of buying a new drive? If I have to, where would I find it and for how much?

Thanks!

Welcome to Windrivers jediobiwan

Yes it does sound like it died. Will the notebook boot from a bootable cd using this drive? What laptop make and model? Is the laptop still in warranty or do you have an extended warranty?

Finding a "new" drive of the same model will not be possible, you could search ebay for a compatible second hand drive or a new one for around £50 in the UK... it rather depends where in the world you are.

It will do everything from CD, just not from DVDs. eMachines M2350. Not in warranty. US is my location.

The best bet would be for you to take it to a computer shop which deals with laptops. Often they are the best value as they do all the legwork for you.

Otherwise, you need to search for compatible types of drive to buy and work out how to fit them