Posted on 12/26/2005 4:19:23 AM PST by acad1228
I have an old Dell Inspiron 7500. It has Windows 2000 OS. I'd like to format the hard drive, but the LG DRN-8080B DVD-ROM win't read software discs. It also won't read music CD's, but it will play DVD's. Has anyone else encoutered this problem? I've searched the web like mad for a driver, but no one seems to have what I need.
Suggestions?
Maybe there's a physical problem with the drive?
But then it's a Dell. 'Nuff said.
Thanks,
acad
I've gone into several computer forums on other sites and a lot of people have been having this problem, but no one has a solution.
Off the top of my head, it's either a defective laser, or you need a firmware update. A defective laser is beyond your control, but you can check Dell's support website for the relevant firmware, if it exists.
Could you borrow an old ( but known to be good ) CD or DVD drive, and temporarily connect it? That will tell you if the existing drive has gone bad. I'm not familiar with how old that model PC is- you may have to enter the BIOS setup on boot, and be certain it recognizes the temp drive at hardware level.
It has been several years since I have encountered such a problem, but it used to happen to me often....
I never did figure out the exact nature of the failure, but for data your drive is probably not going to work again.....
Try swapping your data cable.... if you are lucky you just have a broken conductor....
But more than likely a bad component ... just get a new drive if swapping cables doesn't work. A new drive is cheap enough to make messing with it any further a waste of time and energy.
Yeah, that's what I thought. thanks.
Sounds like your drive is going bad.
At this point I would replace it, even if it still works for some things. It's only a matter of time.
Morning, acad. I'm not sure if I can help you. I have a Dell Dimension 4400 and have had problems with the CD drive. Mostly, it just stopped working.
I hope you still have a warranty on it. Dell tech support is usually very good. They've sent out a tech to replace the CD drive before. No cost. I've had them walk me through a CD drive problem where I had to disconnect some components inside the CPU to refresh/reset? the memory, which got it working again.
I haven't had problems with it since then.
If you don't find your answer here, be sure to call the Dell tech help number.
Good luck Acad -- I am no help, but I hope you get it figued out. As you can plainly see, I am having a keyboad poblem. One of my keys won't wok. I'm taking it to my dad today and begging fo help! LMBO!!!
*HUGS!*
Sounds like your DVD player software is fine, but overall......I suspect a s/w issue more than a hardware issue.
If it's an older system but still "a keeper", do two thing: #1: add more memory; the single best quick-fix for improving performance on almost any system (try www.kahlon.com or www.memoryup.com ; they're the best for online memory purchases), and #2: upgrade to Windows XP (AFTER you've added more memory; I recommend a minimum of 512MB; preferrably 1GB).
Go to Task Manager and look under both Applications and under Processes to make sure a DVD playing program isn't running.
So9
But new ones are so cheap now. You can pick up a new Sony for 15 bucks. And there are drivers galore for Sony units.
Drivers and firmware:
http://members.driverguide.com/driver/detail.php?driverid=61134
ACAD!
I am currently using a Dell Inspiron 1150, customized by Brother Wakeup, here.
I have been pleased with all aspects of the Inspiron. Rightonline's suggestion of a memory boost has worked for me in the past. In this case, though, a memory boost will soothe the symptom, not cure the illness.
Sounds like we have a compatability issue between your drive and W2K. An XP upgrade might help.
In bygone days, I wouldn't say this, but with hardware prices as cheap as they are, replacing the drive is a viable option. Just a few thoughts.
Please give more info:
Are you trying to get it to read in win2k or a dos prompt using the win2k startup cd?
If it is a win2k driver issue then perhaps trying to read the cd from a dos prompt, which win2k uses when booting directly to the cd on startup, may read the drive ok.
If not, then get a win98 startup diskette and startup the laptop with that diskette and see if it'll read the drive from a win98 dos prompt.
If it won't read from win2k, win2k startup cd or win98 startup diskette then more than likely the laser reader on the drive has a little bit of dust on it. I've successfully cleaned the laser before but success rate is only 50 - 75%.
yeah, I think that's what I'm gonna do
Yeah, Sarge, I guess I'm gonna have to get a new one. I can't even upgrade to XP now 'cause the thing won't read software discs. I thought I might see if I can get someong to burn my w2k disc to a dvd, since it reads those.
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