DVD/HD Drive not reading any discs-HELLLPPP!!!

Hello all from another Noob!!
First my tech data:
Toshiba Satellite A200
Toshiba DVDW/HD TS-L802A FWARE T035
Now all of a sudden the drive will not read any dvds, cds, cd-roms etc!SHEEEEET!!The drive is showing in My Computer-properties says that the device is working properly..Ive updated the drivers today..still nothing!!Cant really say when the problem started as I really dont use the drive that often..I did have a screwed up Nero 7 on my HD which I have finally managed to get rid of completely but my drive aint drivin NUTHIN..One interesting point:when I run toshibas internal PC Diagnostic Check it skips the test on my DVD drive..WHAT??!!WHY??!!I insert CD-Rom, the drives whirrs for about a second then I get one single flash of orange and thats it..what can I do please help!!
Thanx in advance....

Welcome to WinDrivers, tronkid75.

When Windows reports a device is working correctly, that means its electronics responds correctly to commands from the driver.

The best first test to try is set the drive as first boot device in the BIOS setup, and try to boot from a bootable CD or DVD such as a Windows install disc or a Linux Live like you may find as a computer magazine cover disk.

If the drive cannot read a CD/DVD to boot from, then the drive is faulty, or possibly needs a laser lens clean. If cleaning doesn't enable the drive to read the discs, then usually the laser has failed, and the drive needs replacing. If the drive is faulty, it's better to find this out before spending time trying other measures.

If this does prove the drive has failed, since a laptop drive replacement is likely to be more involved and/or costly than for a desktop system, a USB external drive is a possible substitute.

Firstly many thanx for your warm welcome Platypus!!
Set my Dvd drive as the first boot device in bios-stuck in my toshiba product recovery disc (vista home prem) and fired her up...got pxe error media test failure check cable message!!OUCH!!Not tried the laser cleaner yet as Ive only got Vodka and cotton buds to hand at the mo'...any thoughts on this situation??
Ta very much!!!

pxe-e61:media test failure check cable - the most common 'fix' seems to be a CMOS reset (pull the Cmos battery for 5 minutes or use the Cmos reset jumpes).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tronkid75

Ive only got Vodka and cotton buds to hand at the mo'...any thoughts on this situation??

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Yes, but its computer advice we give here... :)

The pxe (Pre-eXecution Environment) error is what you get when no boot code is found on the first boot device. So the drive isn't reading the disc. If lens cleaning doesn't fix it, looks like the drive is gone.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CCT

pxe-e61:media test failure check cable - the most common 'fix' seems to be a CMOS reset (pull the Cmos battery for 5 minutes or use the Cmos reset jumpes).

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I suspect that's probably because people have had the pxe error after LAN has got set as first boot device, and when they've cleared the CMOS, it's defaulted back to HDD as first boot device.

The most irrelevant answer to a question about pxe Media Test Failure

Cheers Platypus!!Next step is the lens cleaner and fingers crossed...Im still suspicious about my corrupted Nero 7 playing a part in all this..also Im still wondering why toshibas diagnostic tool skips the test on the dvd drive-is that down to no boot code as well?To be honest Platypus Im gutted as I rarely use the drive..burned off maybe 10-15 discs in total but then again it was purchased used so there you go eh?Ill keep posting as to the outcome..your input has been fantastic and is much appreciated..

If the drive can't read media to boot, Nero isn't involved at that point, so it isn't affecting the drive. But it is possible that if the drive had a weak laser, some factor such as misbehavior of the burning software, a dirty laser lens or using an RW disc (requires highest laser power) provoked failure.

Sometimes the Media Failure check cable message is correct. If a connection in the IDE data cable has gone bad, you'd suspect the Device Manager may not report the drive as OK. But there's some possibility that might not be so - if you can gain access to the drive and re-seat the IDE connector that would be a final thing to try.

Yeah tried the disc cleaner..2 flashes of orange and thats it...dammmn!!Looks like Im going to have to have a look inside and see!!Once again Platypus..invaluable insight..respect!

Tronkid did you resolve the problem?

Hi NooNoo Im going to have a look inside at the connections as suggested but as a Noobie Im a little wary..soon as Ive had a go at it ill post up my ahem...findings!!

Hello tronkid 75!

I'd love to hear your findings when your done...I have the EXACT same problem on my toshiba equium A200 grrrrr! Have tried the suggested solutions but still not working. My laptop is useless but then again so am I at fixing them! Very impressed your looking inside... good luck ! :thumbs2:

try this once Microsoft Link.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314060