I need tech support help. I feel dumb.

NiceGuysFinishLast · May 01, 2006, 04:56:06 PM

Ok, I'm a fairly tech savvy person, but this is stumping me. Last night, I tried to rip a Counting Crows CD to my harddrive. The CD made some weird rattling noises inside the drive. I tried to eject, or stop ripping, and my computer locked up. So I did a hard reset. Now my CD drive won't recognize any discs put in it. The computer recognizes my drive, but the drive won't read anything. If I try to acess D:/, it asks me to please insert a disk. I uninstalled the drive from the device manager, then let windows reinstall the drive on the next restart. Same problem. Ideas?

Onlypastrana199 · May 01, 2006, 05:06:21 PM

just a cd drive or a combo drive dvd drive?

RVertigo · May 01, 2006, 05:08:12 PM

fuX0rD! It's probably paying you back for putting a Counting Crows CD in it.

Rattling noises generally don't precede a recoverable failure... But, you can check the actual HW connections, make sure the jumpers on still on the drive and set correctly, move it to another IDE chain, replace the IDE cable, blah blah blah... I think this story is going to end with you pricing new drives.

NiceGuysFinishLast · May 01, 2006, 05:29:41 PM

Quote from: Onlypastrana199 on May 01, 2006, 05:06:21 PM
just a cd drive or a combo drive dvd drive?

Combo DVD/CD-RW... It's a Samsung SN-324F. I tried to get the driver from Samsung's site, just in case it was different from the one Windows automatically downloads. I clicked download, open the file. Guess what it was? It was the f%$king manual for the drive! They put a PDF of the manual online, but NOT the GD drivers!

As for RVert.. I kinda agree. Thing is, I don't wanna mess with new hardware, cuz this is a POS compaq laptop that I more or less hate. I just can't afford a new one right now. And the CC are good, so

you!

Onlypastrana199 · May 01, 2006, 05:36:03 PM

This is gonna sound random but did u try putting a dvd in too? My compaq did something similar and for some reason putting a dvd in it fixed it. Otherwise, id assume it has something to do with hardware...which sucks..

NiceGuysFinishLast · May 01, 2006, 05:41:51 PM

Quote from: Onlypastrana199 on May 01, 2006, 05:36:03 PM
This is gonna sound random but did u try putting a dvd in too? My compaq did something similar and for some reason putting a dvd in it fixed it. Otherwise, id assume it has something to do with hardware...which sucks..

Just tried a DVD. No dice.

Also, just for fun, I tried putting the windows XP pro (legal! gasp!) disc that I have in, and restarting. Changed the boot order to CD-ROM first. It hangs for about 45 seconds, while I hear the disc spinning, but no dice, it won't read. It's weird, cuz right after I insert a disc, while I hear it reading, I get the little tiny disc icon right next to my mouse pointer. So it's obviously recognizing that there's a disc in the drive. But then it won't read. It's really pissing me off. GKLA:FL:KjdFlk;jsd;ljsdfl;djf I have a final in less than 24 hours, and I'm messing with this crap instead.

Phaedrus · May 01, 2006, 05:45:15 PM

Sounds like the optical laser might be shot. I think what you are hearing is the drive "seeking", not necessarily "reading".

I agree with Rvertigo, I think this story is gonna end with you looking on ebay or something for a cheap, used replacement drive.

NiceGuysFinishLast · May 01, 2006, 05:47:20 PM

Dammit.. I meant seeking.. you knew what I meant!

But yeah, I think it's time for a new drive. Random for it to just go out though. If this was a desktop, it would be no big deal. But I have absolutely zero experience with repairing/building/upgrading laptops, and I really don't wanna get into it. I guess I'll just wait until this summer when I can afford to build a new game system. Damn, I hate computers.

Phaedrus · May 01, 2006, 05:50:47 PM

Ohhhh pffffft

If you can replace a drive in a desktop, you can do it in a laptop. I've only worked on Dell laptops, but they have all been easier to replace components than many desktops.

Seriously! Tell him Pastrami..haha. Replacing a drive in a laptop is about as difficult as brushing your teeth. Like I said, if you can do it in a desktop you can do it in a laptop.

And if you have any trouble doing it, just post up and I am sure someone can help you. I don't suspect you will have an issue though. I used to feel the same way - "I only work on desktops..laptops are too complicated". That was until I tried it - you will be surprised at how easy they really are.

(just get yourself a set of those "precision screwdrivers". I bought mine at the $1 store!)

NiceGuysFinishLast · May 01, 2006, 05:54:23 PM

Well, I just checked ebay. Looks like I'm looking at about $40 plus shipping for a new dvdROM/CDRW drive. I assume they're all made to the same dimensions/mounting points/IDE connectors.

Onlypastrana199 · May 01, 2006, 06:32:48 PM

I actually think working on laptops is easier, no power power supply nonsense just pop them in. I hate desktops

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I need tech support help. I feel dumb.