DVD-RW drive problems

2007-05-24 22:04:25

#1

T.Pike: 99 Problems . . .; +187|6753|Pennsyltucky

My system, a Dell Dimension E510, has had intermittent problems with the DVD drive ever since I got it about 15 months ago.

Lately the problem is getting worse & worse. When I insert a CD into the drive 90%+ of the time it won't recognize the CD and Auto-play. Plus if you look in My Computer the drive appears empty.

Today it took me about 10 mins of ejecting & re-inserting the BF2 CD to get it to be recognized.

I've tried updating the drivers but given the message "Lower or same firmware version" when I update the drivers. I click OK and overwrite them anyway.

Do you think this is just a case of a crappy drivers or do you think there is an actual problem with the drive itself?

Dell Dimension E510

Duo-Core Pentium 4 @ 3 Ghz

3 gigs RAM

PCI-Express ATI x600 256 meg video

Windows XP Media Center Edition

2007-05-24 22:06:23

#2

Parker: isteal; +1,452|6865|The Gem Saloon

had this problem before. i got a new drive and the problem was solved.....they arent that expensive. why didnt you use the warranty if this has been happening since you got it?

2007-05-24 22:08:37

#3

colt.45: I use air hacks.; +25|6946|B.C Canada

i had that same problem but it turns out my disc was just too scratched to be recognized, try another game or cd and see if that works, maybe your disks just messed.

2007-05-24 22:10:00

#4

dubbs: Member; +105|7103|Lexington, KY

Dell will not do anything. I had the same issue with a Phillips drive. Was about a day out of warranty when I called, told them what happened, and how it would not write to certain DVDs, then would not read DVDs, then would not write CD, then would only read certain CDs. Dell said to call Phillips on the issue, when I did, Phillips said they could not do anything because it is an OEM drive.

2007-05-24 22:14:45

#5

T.Pike: 99 Problems . . .; +187|6753|Pennsyltucky

Thanks for the replies.

TBH Dell was a Nightmare to deal with. I got so frustrated at one point I didn't even use the system for 3-4 months.

Stupid me didn't read the fine print about no back-up copy of Windows was included.

After about 9-10 months of problems they sent me a Windows install package. What a delight that was to re-install.

You're right I should just pony up the cash for a new drive.

EDIT: Forgot to mention they came out & installed a new HD when they sytem was about a month old.

Last edited by T.Pike (2007-05-24 22:15:53)

2007-05-24 23:06:21

#6

unnamednewbie13: Moderator; +2,080|7243|PNW

It's more cost-effective to get yourself a Samsung 18x DVD-RAM for $30 than to screw with Dell's tech support. I don't believe replacing an optical drive will void the warranty.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a … 6827151145

Mine's been good to me.

Last edited by unnamednewbie13 (2007-05-24 23:08:25)

2007-05-24 23:20:16

#7

kylef: Gone; +1,352|6964|N. Ireland

Sounds like your DVD-Drive overreacts to scratches and the likes. Get a new one!

2007-05-24 23:27:05

#8

The Stillhouse Kid: Licensed Televulcanologist; +126|7113|Deep In The South Of Texas

Tried a laser lens cleaner disc? I've brought many PC, home and car CD and DVD drives back from the "dead" using them.

2007-05-25 01:50:11

#9

unnamednewbie13: Moderator; +2,080|7243|PNW

The Stillhouse Kid wrote:
Tried a laser lens cleaner disc? I've brought many PC, home and car CD and DVD drives back from the "dead" using them.

Good notion, but doesn't always work. I have an entire box-full of dead drives that I've run a cleaner through. Only four came back.

BF2S Forums DVD-RW drive problems

The Stillhouse Kid wrote:

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