How to troubleshoot cd-rom drive?

Trying to back up data, HP DVDWriter 300c [CD-ROM drive] does not recognize a disc in drive. Always asks

me to insert disc into drive when one is already in place.

Using "imation" DVD-R 4.7GB disc.

This question was answered on March 7, 2005. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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Make sure all discs used for testing are clean, with no scratches or fingerprints, and are originals Also, oxidation can cause small pits in the recording material, resulting in read errors

1 Attempt to read or play discs other than the failing one.

2 If other discs will play, then try the failing disc in another system

a If the disc fails in another system, replace the failing disc

3 Verify that the drive supports the media that you are trying to read For example, a DVD will not read in a CD drive

4 If the discs are scratched, use different media known to be good Both sides of the disc should always be protected from scratches.

Make sure the drive will boot to a known bootable CD if available Recovery CDs and installation CDs are usually bootable.

1 If the system boots to the CD-ROM drive, this part of the computer system is working correctly Problems with the CD-ROM in the operating system are likely the result of improper operating system configuration, not with the hardware

2 If the system does not boot to the disc in the CD-ROM drive, the CD-ROM drive, the cable, or the system board is defective

Remove, examine, and reseat the drive data cable and power connections to the CD-ROM drive and the system board if your drive a custom built.

1 Cables should be carefully pulled near the connector when disconnecting from the CD/DVD-ROM drive or the system board to reduce the possibility of damage to the cable

2 Check for bent or broken pins on the system board IDE controller and the CD/DVD-ROM.

3 Check the cable is correct for the drive

4 Make sure the drive is connected to the correct cable connector

5 Check for cut cable conductors Make sure that cables do not interfere with drive trays when they are closed

6 Swap with another cable if possible Broken connections in cables are difficult, if not impossible, to detect

7 Check for proper pin 1 to pin 1 connection orientation It may be possible to incorrectly flip cable connectors

8 Make sure the power connector to the CD/DVD-ROM drive is making a good connection to the drive These connections can spread open and not make sufficient contact Swap with another connector if possible

Reconfigure the hard disk drive and the CD/DVD-ROM drive to be on separate IDE cables, if possible It may be necessary to change the drive jumpers when reconfiguring the drives.

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Posted by Kera of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on March 7, 2005

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