Any Comp Hardware people?
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I don't know about a cure, but my daughter had the same thing happen, took it to the shop and they killed her computer in the process of "fixing" it. Blue screen death and most of the info lost. So I'd recommend you backup everything to an external hard drive before you try to fix it. Just sayin...
First question:
is it simply not working at ALL-
Does the tray come out and go back in (or accept disks if it is a slot-load drive)?
No spinning up and trying to work (should hear it spinning faster and faster as it starts)?
Does the operating system still SEE that a drive is installed?
DVD drives (or any other optical drive) do die just like any other component.
The good news is that it is rare- not impossible but extremely rare- that it will cause any other problems.
The easiest fix in the world is to go out and buy an external USB dvd drive, and as an advantage you would then have a drive that can work on ANY computer. And you don't need to open the case to install it. The disadvantage: they cost more than an internal drive. Here is one: Newegg.com - LITE-ON 8X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 8X DVD-ROM 24X CD-R 24X CD-RW 24X CD-ROM USB Black 8X External Slim DVD Writer Model eSAU208-111 LightScribe Support
The other option is to buy a new internal drive for about half the money- Newegg.com - LITE-ON Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Writer - Bulk - LightScribe Support - CD / DVD Burners
Less than half the price and they are faster and leave fewer cables laying around your desk.
But you will need to open your computer case up and swap them out. This is really not difficult and usually doesn't require anything but a phillips head screwdriver.
is it simply not working at ALL-
Does the tray come out and go back in (or accept disks if it is a slot-load drive)?
No spinning up and trying to work (should hear it spinning faster and faster as it starts)?
Does the operating system still SEE that a drive is installed?
DVD drives (or any other optical drive) do die just like any other component.
The good news is that it is rare- not impossible but extremely rare- that it will cause any other problems.
The easiest fix in the world is to go out and buy an external USB dvd drive, and as an advantage you would then have a drive that can work on ANY computer. And you don't need to open the case to install it. The disadvantage: they cost more than an internal drive. Here is one: Newegg.com - LITE-ON 8X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 8X DVD-ROM 24X CD-R 24X CD-RW 24X CD-ROM USB Black 8X External Slim DVD Writer Model eSAU208-111 LightScribe Support
The other option is to buy a new internal drive for about half the money- Newegg.com - LITE-ON Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Writer - Bulk - LightScribe Support - CD / DVD Burners
Less than half the price and they are faster and leave fewer cables laying around your desk.
But you will need to open your computer case up and swap them out. This is really not difficult and usually doesn't require anything but a phillips head screwdriver.
I second what rogerdugans just said. I'd just add that it's usually so easy to swap the internal drive, it's worth the savings. Upgrade to a blu-ray drive for $20-50 more.
I'll also add, dvd/cd-rom drives die often. It's the most replaced component in my company, right behind keyboard/mice... They're cheap. Save yourself the troubleshooting and replace it.
I'll also add, dvd/cd-rom drives die often. It's the most replaced component in my company, right behind keyboard/mice... They're cheap. Save yourself the troubleshooting and replace it.
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I have been shopping for blu ray drives recently, and on e-bay internal or external are about the same price NEW. I'd go for the internal(what I did), just cuz it's easier. If it is a desktop, you can get an LG Bluray BURNER for around $60, I've even seen externals for about that. If you have a laptop, a blu ray player super multi drive will cost $50-100. A blu ray burner for a laptop is a few bucks more, like $140. I agree, it is an easy procedure to swap it, just get an antistatic strap(probably the lack of one caused the previously mentioned failure). Lot's of sales going on, check out the web sites of your local store and you may be able to get a deal, and have it installed for cheap(service is also on sale right now).
It does open but I don't think its spinning. Guess I'll be buying a new one
Found this Amazon.com: Asus USB 2.0 8x DVD Writer External Optical Drive SDRW-08D2S-U (Black): Electronics not bad for @$50 for a dual layer burner. Asus is a good component name too. If you want an external blu ray player/DVD burner, they are a @100 on ebay USB External Blu-ray Player / Slim DVD RW Drive Burner - eBay (item 320619732985 end time Dec-19-10 12:30:48 PST) You can search around for other deals on amazon here Amazon.com: External USB 8X DVD +/-RW Dual Layer Burner for PC or Laptop: Explore similar items , but make sure and read the reviews. Some of them are from people w/ problems other than the drive, but that is usually obvious. If you are looking for an internal drive, it gets a bit more complicated. LMK if you have a laptop or a descktop, maybe I can find something for you in my links.
Actually, found this on amazon Amazon.com: SBR-02E1S-U Bd-rom 2X USB2.0 Galaxy Blue: Electronics better deal than ebay w/ less hassle.
More suggestions-
Newegg.com - dvd cd writer blu ray reader
Well, as much as anything else, a price check I have been using for years- see what similar LiteOn drives are selling for.
I have used mostly LiteOns for years, mainly for the value but in reality I see little difference between brands.
But with those two drives (same drive, different packaging) priced on both sides of $50 it lets you know what you SHOULD pay for a drive.
Newegg.com - dvd cd writer blu ray reader
Well, as much as anything else, a price check I have been using for years- see what similar LiteOn drives are selling for.
I have used mostly LiteOns for years, mainly for the value but in reality I see little difference between brands.
But with those two drives (same drive, different packaging) priced on both sides of $50 it lets you know what you SHOULD pay for a drive.
AmyLynne, I second what everyone's saying. Having ripped apart many computers over the years, you could have a $1.50 motor to replace, or a complete internal replacement. With the price of electronics these days, it really is cheaper to buy new, rather than get it repaired. Some places will charge you almost half the price of a replacement to affirm that you have a problem - then you have those costs on top... If you're really determined for a physical inspection, check your local Craigslist. Often times there are geeks that are volunteering their services or charging a song and dance. Especially nearer the holidays, the free option typically comes out more often.
That said - I stick by my original thought, find a new one, and replace
That said - I stick by my original thought, find a new one, and replace
Those are internal desktop drives, not sure if she has a laptop or a desk top. That is most of the reason for the big price difference between those and the external drives I mentioned. Instalation is going to be a bit more for someone who has no experience/confidence in doing it themself. That and you can't back up your files with the internals before opening up the box. But a good deal none the less.
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