Second post. Problems with DVD unit.

Gentlemen (Andrew, Peter, Mark),

I posted this question yesterday and in the process of answering it, cannot
find it anymore. It just disappeared. In any case, here is the original
question and my reply to Andrew, Peter, Mark, below. Thank you.

Greetings,

I accidentally jammed the DVD bay door of a Windows XP SP3 machine. After opening up the PC and removing the device, I was able to clear the jam. I then re-inserted it, and now the device opens and closes perfectly.

Unfortunately, it no longer works. CDs or DVDs can no longer be read. Under Control Pannel / System / Hardware / Device Controlers I can see the information for the DVD and a legend indicating the device is working correctly. NOT!

Anyway, my questions are as follows:

1. Anything else I can do to troubleshoot before I buy a new device?
2. I noticed that the DVC region is not configured for 1 (USA) or 4 (Mexico) where
the machine is located. Would this make a difference?
3. If I have to buy a new DVD device (and I have not done this in a while) I
would like to verify a couple of things:

A) The package should contain the device, a CD with drivers and screws?
I don´t remember these things being plug and play...
B) How do you update the BIOS with the information for the new hardware.
From what I remember, it is hard coded in the BIOS...

I realize some of these questions are hardware related but I hope you
can help.

Thank you very much.

Jean-Pierre

Here is my reply to (Mark, Peter, Andrew´s comments).

First, let me thank you for all the well intentionned feedback. Second, and
as far as your questions, well the The CD and the DVD are IDE devices linked
serially.

Since the malfunction was directly related to an accidental jam of the DVD
bay door, switching the IDE cables would imply a failure of one of the plugs,
which I doubt.

Good troubleshooting tips though, but I seriously doubt this is the issue.

Taking the device out to clear the jam (I had to manually rotate the
ejection mecanism) and the subsequent installation might have have modified
some software setting (like the DVD region which I mention in my email)

Does that sound plausible? Any ideas?

As far as the screws, well perhaps they count on you using the old ones, but
I would think the package would come with them. Also, the last few components
I have bought have come with drivers, hence my question. (e.j. a network card
and a sound card)...

The PC is five years old, but I just can´t belive the new DVD would be plug
and play... Hence my question.

In any case, thank you for the link which I am reading.

Any additional help would be greatly appreciated.

Jean-Pierre

P.S. The manufacturer indicated that a replacement would be around $100.00
USD. You can see why I am troubleshooting...

On 10/20/2009 12:26 PM On a whim, dareys pounded out on the keyboard

Gentlemen (Andrew, Peter, Mark),

I posted this question yesterday and in the process of answering it, cannot
find it anymore. It just disappeared. In any case, here is the original
question and my reply to Andrew, Peter, Mark, below. Thank you.

Greetings,

I accidentally jammed the DVD bay door of a Windows XP SP3 machine. Afteropening up the PC and removing the device, I was able to clear the jam. I then re-inserted it, and now the device opens and closes perfectly.

Unfortunately, it no longer works. CDs or DVDs can no longer be read. UnderControl Pannel / System / Hardware / Device Controlers I can see the informationfor the DVD and a legend indicating the device is working correctly. NOT!

Anyway, my questions are as follows:

1. Anything else I can do to troubleshoot before I buy a new device?
2. I noticed that the DVC region is not configured for 1 (USA) or 4 (Mexico) where
the machine is located. Would this make a difference?
3. If I have to buy a new DVD device (and I have not done this in a while) I
would like to verify a couple of things:

A) The package should contain the device, a CD with drivers and screws?
I don´t remember these things being plug and play...
B) How do you update the BIOS with the information for the new hardware.
From what I remember, it is hard coded in the BIOS...

I realize some of these questions are hardware related but I hope you
can help.

Thank you very much.

Jean-Pierre

Here is my reply to (Mark, Peter, Andrew´s comments).

First, let me thank you for all the well intentionned feedback. Second, and
as far as your questions, well the The CD and the DVD are IDE devices linked
serially.

Since the malfunction was directly related to an accidental jam of the DVD
bay door, switching the IDE cables would imply a failure of one of the plugs,
which I doubt.

Good troubleshooting tips though, but I seriously doubt this is the issue.

Taking the device out to clear the jam (I had to manually rotate the
ejection mecanism) and the subsequent installation might have have modified
some software setting (like the DVD region which I mention in my email)

Does that sound plausible? Any ideas?

As far as the screws, well perhaps they count on you using the old ones, but
I would think the package would come with them. Also, the last few components
I have bought have come with drivers, hence my question. (e.j. a network card
and a sound card)...

The PC is five years old, but I just can´t belive the new DVD would be plug
and play... Hence my question.

In any case, thank you for the link which I am reading.

Any additional help would be greatly appreciated.

Jean-Pierre

P.S. The manufacturer indicated that a replacement would be around $100.00
USD. You can see why I am troubleshooting...



I replied to your post also. And still stand by my suggestion. Your
drive has most likely failed. It happens. Remove the drive, take it to
where you purchase your hardware so they know the type of connector, and
install it. No drivers are required (this isn't a NIC or sound card),
use the existing screws or the new ones, doesn't matter.

XP will take care of the rest...
Terry R.
--
Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.
Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.

On Oct 20, 8:26*pm, dareys wrote:
Gentlemen (Andrew, Peter, Mark),

I posted this question yesterday and in the process of answering it, cannot
find it anymore. It just disappeared. In any case, here is the original
question and my reply to Andrew, Peter, Mark, below. Thank you.



Greetings,

I accidentally jammed the DVD bay door of a Windows XP SP3 machine. After opening up the PC and removing the device, I was able to clear the jam. I then re-inserted it, and now the device opens and closes perfectly.

Unfortunately, it no longer works. CDs or DVDs can no longer be read. Under Control Pannel / System / Hardware / Device Controlers I can see the information for the DVD and a legend indicating the device is working correctly. NOT!

Anyway, my questions are as follows:

1. Anything else I can do to troubleshoot before I buy a new device?
2. I noticed that the DVC region is not configured for 1 (USA) or 4 (Mexico) where
* *the machine is located. Would this make a difference?
3. If I have to buy a new DVD device (and I have not done this in a while) I
* *would like to verify a couple of things:

* *A) The package should contain the device, *a CD with drivers and screws?
* * * * I don´t remember these things being plug and play...
* *B) *How do you update the BIOS with the information for the new hardware.
* * * * From what I remember, it is hard coded in the BIOS...

I realize some of these questions are hardware related but I hope you
can help.

Thank you very much.

Jean-Pierre

Here is my reply to (Mark, Peter, Andrew´s comments).

First, let me thank you for all the well intentionned feedback. Second, and
as far as your questions, well the The CD and the DVD are IDE devices linked
serially.

Since the malfunction was directly related to an accidental jam of the DVD
bay door, switching the IDE cables would imply a failure of one of the plugs,
which I doubt.

Good troubleshooting tips though, but I seriously doubt this is the issue..

Taking the device out to clear the jam (I had to manually rotate the
ejection mecanism) and the subsequent installation might have have modified
some software setting (like the DVD region which I mention in my email)

Does that sound plausible? Any ideas?

As far as the screws, well perhaps they count on you using the old ones, but
I would think the package would come with them. Also, the last few components
I have bought have come with drivers, hence my question. (e.j. a network card
and a sound card)...

The PC is five years old, but I just can´t belive the new DVD would be plug
and play... Hence my question.

In any case, thank you for the link which I am reading.

Any additional help would be greatly appreciated.

Jean-Pierre

P.S. The manufacturer indicated that a replacement would be around $100.00
USD. You can see why I am troubleshooting...

First, you probably did not look for your previous post correctly.
Several ISPs have their own newsgroup servers and they tend to have a
short time where they can keep your post on their servers. After
that, the post is removed from their servers but would still exist on
the Usenet.

Now, IDE "optical' drives are easy to replace in the standard tower /
desktop PCs. You can normally buy a new DVD drive locally for between
$30 to $50 dollar a "unit."

Since your original problem was a jammed DVD door and that you had to
physically "fiddle" with the drive, it can be possible to more
internal problems might exist.

IDE drives have special pins (aka jumpers) used to "program" how the
IDE "data stream" treats the drive it discovers on the IDE data
cable. IDE drives can be set to:

Master -- this drive controls how to access the drives on the
connected cable
Slave -- this drive responds to any request from the Master "set"
drive

Cable Select -- IDE drive connector indicates which drive is the
Master / Slave drive. IDE connector at the complete end of the cable
tends to be the connect where the Master drive would be set to.
Middle connector is usually the Slave drive.

You can either set the IDE drives to a Master/Slave setting or Cable
Select settings. You can not mix these two.

"dareys" wrote:

Gentlemen (Andrew, Peter, Mark),

I posted this question yesterday and in the process of answering it, cannot
find it anymore. It just disappeared. In any case, here is the original
question and my reply to Andrew, Peter, Mark, below. Thank you.

Greetings,

I accidentally jammed the DVD bay door of a Windows XP SP3 machine. After opening up the PC and removing the device, I was able to clear the jam. I then re-inserted it, and now the device opens and closes perfectly.

Unfortunately, it no longer works. CDs or DVDs can no longer be read. Under Control Pannel / System / Hardware / Device Controlers I can see the information for the DVD and a legend indicating the device is working correctly. NOT!

Anyway, my questions are as follows:

1. Anything else I can do to troubleshoot before I buy a new device?

Delete the upper and lower filters per this KB article:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314060

2. I noticed that the DVC region is not configured for 1 (USA) or 4 (Mexico) where
the machine is located. Would this make a difference?

I am not sure if it would make a difference or not, but you are allowed to
change the regional setting several times. Use this as a last resort when
everything else has failed.

3. If I have to buy a new DVD device (and I have not done this in a while) I
would like to verify a couple of things:

A) The package should contain the device, a CD with drivers and screws?
I don´t remember these things being plug and play...

Retail packaging generally contains the mounting screws, and a CD containing
burning software. Drivers are not needed as XP contains all the drivers
necessary to communicate with the device.

B) How do you update the BIOS with the information for the new hardware.
From what I remember, it is hard coded in the BIOS...

I have never needed to update a BIOS on any of my computers in order for it
to recognize an optical drive; I don't think updating the BIOS would have any
effect.


I realize some of these questions are hardware related but I hope you
can help.

Thank you very much.

Jean-Pierre

Here is my reply to (Mark, Peter, Andrew´s comments).

First, let me thank you for all the well intentionned feedback. Second, and
as far as your questions, well the The CD and the DVD are IDE devices linked
serially.


You have two optical drives? Are they both seen in the BIOS and Device
Manager?

Since the malfunction was directly related to an accidental jam of the DVD
bay door, switching the IDE cables would imply a failure of one of the plugs,
which I doubt.

If seen in the BIOS and Device Manager, the IDE cables are probably good.
Check the power cable connections. IDE cables are cheap, replace the cable
with a known good one.

Is the defective drive shown in My Computer?


Good troubleshooting tips though, but I seriously doubt this is the issue.

Taking the device out to clear the jam (I had to manually rotate the
ejection mecanism) and the subsequent installation might have have modified
some software setting (like the DVD region which I mention in my email)

Does that sound plausible? Any ideas?

As far as the screws, well perhaps they count on you using the old ones, but
I would think the package would come with them. Also, the last few components
I have bought have come with drivers, hence my question. (e.j. a network card
and a sound card)...

The PC is five years old, but I just can´t belive the new DVD would be plug
and play... Hence my question.

In any case, thank you for the link which I am reading.

Any additional help would be greatly appreciated.

Jean-Pierre

P.S. The manufacturer indicated that a replacement would be around $100.00
USD. You can see why I am troubleshooting...



www.newegg.com
www.tigerdirect.com
www.directron.com

Lots of drives cheaper than $100 USD. Don't know if they can ship to your
country though.

On 10/20/2009 2:13 PM On a whim, Mark Adams pounded out on the keyboard


"dareys" wrote:

Gentlemen (Andrew, Peter, Mark),

I posted this question yesterday and in the process of answering it, cannot
find it anymore. It just disappeared. In any case, here is the original
question and my reply to Andrew, Peter, Mark, below. Thank you.

Greetings,

I accidentally jammed the DVD bay door of a Windows XP SP3 machine. Afteropening up the PC and removing the device, I was able to clear the jam. I then re-inserted it, and now the device opens and closes perfectly.

Unfortunately, it no longer works. CDs or DVDs can no longer be read. UnderControl Pannel / System / Hardware / Device Controlers I can see the informationfor the DVD and a legend indicating the device is working correctly. NOT!

Anyway, my questions are as follows:

1. Anything else I can do to troubleshoot before I buy a new device?

Delete the upper and lower filters per this KB article:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314060


I see that recommended from time to time. I don't believe it should be
used as I've seen it cause more trouble than it resolved.




Terry R.
--
Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.
Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.

Gentlemen,

Thank you for the response. Enclosed please find my comments:

1. Thank you for confirming that the screws and burning software (in the
case of a DVD-RW) are typically in the package. At least that is what I have
seen.
2. I will check for the IDE channels and DVD optical device in the BIOS and
System / Hardware / Device Manager.
3. I will also try to switch the IDE cable which works for the CD device and
see if it works for the DVD.
4. I will also play with the jumper settings on the device. Maybe modified
by mistake. However, how do you set control via either the PINs or the Cable
selector? My cable only has two ends. I think I might connect the complete
end to the DVD, the other to the CD, and play with the jumper settings while
I get a response. Originally, the DVD must have been the master device.
5. As a last resort, I will set the DVC region.

BTW, yes, a new drive is the logical solution, but here in Mexico, the
manufacturer wants to charge $100.00 USD for a new one. Kind of steep. So, I
will troubleshoot until I am satisfied that is the only option to go.

In any case, thank you all for your continued support.

Jean-Pierre

"dareys" wrote:

Gentlemen (Andrew, Peter, Mark),

I posted this question yesterday and in the process of answering it, cannot
find it anymore. It just disappeared. In any case, here is the original
question and my reply to Andrew, Peter, Mark, below. Thank you.

Greetings,

I accidentally jammed the DVD bay door of a Windows XP SP3 machine. After opening up the PC and removing the device, I was able to clear the jam. I then re-inserted it, and now the device opens and closes perfectly.

Unfortunately, it no longer works. CDs or DVDs can no longer be read. Under Control Pannel / System / Hardware / Device Controlers I can see the information for the DVD and a legend indicating the device is working correctly. NOT!

Anyway, my questions are as follows:

1. Anything else I can do to troubleshoot before I buy a new device?
2. I noticed that the DVC region is not configured for 1 (USA) or 4 (Mexico) where
the machine is located. Would this make a difference?
3. If I have to buy a new DVD device (and I have not done this in a while) I
would like to verify a couple of things:

A) The package should contain the device, a CD with drivers and screws?
I don´t remember these things being plug and play...
B) How do you update the BIOS with the information for the new hardware.
From what I remember, it is hard coded in the BIOS...

I realize some of these questions are hardware related but I hope you
can help.

Thank you very much.

Jean-Pierre

Here is my reply to (Mark, Peter, Andrew´s comments).

First, let me thank you for all the well intentionned feedback. Second, and
as far as your questions, well the The CD and the DVD are IDE devices linked
serially.

Since the malfunction was directly related to an accidental jam of the DVD
bay door, switching the IDE cables would imply a failure of one of the plugs,
which I doubt.

Good troubleshooting tips though, but I seriously doubt this is the issue.

Taking the device out to clear the jam (I had to manually rotate the
ejection mecanism) and the subsequent installation might have have modified
some software setting (like the DVD region which I mention in my email)

Does that sound plausible? Any ideas?

As far as the screws, well perhaps they count on you using the old ones, but
I would think the package would come with them. Also, the last few components
I have bought have come with drivers, hence my question. (e.j. a network card
and a sound card)...

The PC is five years old, but I just can´t belive the new DVD would be plug
and play... Hence my question.

In any case, thank you for the link which I am reading.

Any additional help would be greatly appreciated.

Jean-Pierre

P.S. The manufacturer indicated that a replacement would be around $100.00
USD. You can see why I am troubleshooting...

On 10/21/2009 11:17 AM On a whim, dareys pounded out on the keyboard

Gentlemen,

Thank you for the response. Enclosed please find my comments:

1. Thank you for confirming that the screws and burning software (in the
case of a DVD-RW) are typically in the package. At least that is what I have
seen.
2. I will check for the IDE channels and DVD optical device in the BIOS and
System / Hardware / Device Manager.
3. I will also try to switch the IDE cable which works for the CD device and
see if it works for the DVD.
4. I will also play with the jumper settings on the device. Maybe modified
by mistake. However, how do you set control via either the PINs or the Cable
selector? My cable only has two ends. I think I might connect the complete
end to the DVD, the other to the CD, and play with the jumper settings while
I get a response. Originally, the DVD must have been the master device.
5. As a last resort, I will set the DVC region.

BTW, yes, a new drive is the logical solution, but here in Mexico, the
manufacturer wants to charge $100.00 USD for a new one. Kind of steep. So, I
will troubleshoot until I am satisfied that is the only option to go.

In any case, thank you all for your continued support.

Jean-Pierre


You don't need one from the "manufacturer". Mail order is cheaper.
Check pricewatch.com.



Terry R.
--
Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.
Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.

Terry,

Yep. I think you are right, I don´t think I need one from the
manufacturerer. These parts are pretty standard... And yes, overall, given my
experience, all of your advice, the cost of the parts versus the cost of my
time, buying a new one is probably the most cost effective solution.

However, I am currently in Mexico and don´t have such a wealth of provider
choices or the infinite ressources you guys have in the USA... Things are
getting much better here though... which is good.

Anyway, like I said, I am going to do one hour of troubleshooting, with the
sum of your collective suggestionsm as well as my experience and evaluate
from there.

If things don´t pan out, I am just buying a new one, which I have found I
can buy from other retailers for much less than the PC manufacturer, who
would not even give me a scealed box (they all give you open boxes?), screws
or any kind of docs.

Unbelievable right? Or am I out of left field? No offense to anyone. Just
the facts. And that comes from dealing with several manufacturers here. The
concept of the scealed package with everything you want, is just not SOP here.

Thank you for your help.

Regards,

Jean-Pierre



"Terry R." wrote:

On 10/21/2009 11:17 AM On a whim, dareys pounded out on the keyboard

Gentlemen,

Thank you for the response. Enclosed please find my comments:

1. Thank you for confirming that the screws and burning software (in the
case of a DVD-RW) are typically in the package. At least that is what I have
seen.
2. I will check for the IDE channels and DVD optical device in the BIOS and
System / Hardware / Device Manager.
3. I will also try to switch the IDE cable which works for the CD device and
see if it works for the DVD.
4. I will also play with the jumper settings on the device. Maybe modified
by mistake. However, how do you set control via either the PINs or the Cable
selector? My cable only has two ends. I think I might connect the complete
end to the DVD, the other to the CD, and play with the jumper settings while
I get a response. Originally, the DVD must have been the master device.
5. As a last resort, I will set the DVC region.

BTW, yes, a new drive is the logical solution, but here in Mexico, the
manufacturer wants to charge $100.00 USD for a new one. Kind of steep. So, I
will troubleshoot until I am satisfied that is the only option to go.

In any case, thank you all for your continued support.

Jean-Pierre


You don't need one from the "manufacturer". Mail order is cheaper.
Check pricewatch.com.



Terry R.
--
Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.
Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.
.

On 10/21/2009 5:21 PM On a whim, dareys pounded out on the keyboard

Terry,

Yep. I think you are right, I don´t think I need one from the
manufacturerer. These parts are pretty standard... And yes, overall, given my
experience, all of your advice, the cost of the parts versus the cost of my
time, buying a new one is probably the most cost effective solution.

However, I am currently in Mexico and don´t have such a wealth of provider
choices or the infinite ressources you guys have in the USA... Things are
getting much better here though... which is good.

Anyway, like I said, I am going to do one hour of troubleshooting, with the
sum of your collective suggestionsm as well as my experience and evaluate
from there.

If things don´t pan out, I am just buying a new one, which I have found I
can buy from other retailers for much less than the PC manufacturer, who
would not even give me a scealed box (they all give you open boxes?), screws
or any kind of docs.

Unbelievable right? Or am I out of left field? No offense to anyone. Just
the facts. And that comes from dealing with several manufacturers here. The
concept of the scealed package with everything you want, is just not SOP here.

Thank you for your help.

Regards,

Jean-Pierre



You don't need one from the "manufacturer". Mail order is cheaper.
Check pricewatch.com.





What manufacturer is this? I can't see them selling an open box unit
for $100! That is robbery!

Use the link I gave you to pricewatch and buy a name brand unit. You
can probably have it delivered to you for a total cost of less than $40
(guessing on shipping to MX). The first link at Pricewatch is the Asus
DVD+-RW Dual Layer IDE connection for $25.77. They show free ground
shipping, most likely only US. I don't think it would cost more than
$15 to you.




Terry R.
--
Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.
Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.

Terry,

I kid you not. I have purchased four computer components, from different
vendors here, and none have come in a scealed box. Everything is open because
apparently, they have to verify the content before they sell it to you?
Unfathomable in the USA.

I visited the manufacturer three days ago, and the DVD they wanted to sell
me was in a plastic sleeve... That´s it. Nothing else. No offense to anybody
like I stated before. Just the basic facts.

No scealed package, no documentation, no screws, no software... WYSIWYG.
Absolutely nbelievable. Oh, and many times, no warranty and no returns. Nice!

I am doing one final round of troubleshooting and then, just buying a new
one. Hey I used to make over $100.00 USD an hour in the states, and
troubleshooting for a couple here for a part I can get for $40.00 or $50.00
USD, is madness.

Yes, you are right, I just found people willing to ship me the new product
for about $50.00 USD. I told you things were getting better.

Jean-Pierre

P.S. When I have solved the problem, I will let you know. Thank you all for
your help.
"Terry R." wrote:

On 10/21/2009 5:21 PM On a whim, dareys pounded out on the keyboard

Terry,

Yep. I think you are right, I don´t think I need one from the
manufacturerer. These parts are pretty standard... And yes, overall, given my
experience, all of your advice, the cost of the parts versus the cost of my
time, buying a new one is probably the most cost effective solution.

However, I am currently in Mexico and don´t have such a wealth of provider
choices or the infinite ressources you guys have in the USA... Things are
getting much better here though... which is good.

Anyway, like I said, I am going to do one hour of troubleshooting, with the
sum of your collective suggestionsm as well as my experience and evaluate
from there.

If things don´t pan out, I am just buying a new one, which I have found I
can buy from other retailers for much less than the PC manufacturer, who
would not even give me a scealed box (they all give you open boxes?), screws
or any kind of docs.

Unbelievable right? Or am I out of left field? No offense to anyone. Just
the facts. And that comes from dealing with several manufacturers here. The
concept of the scealed package with everything you want, is just not SOP here.

Thank you for your help.

Regards,

Jean-Pierre



You don't need one from the "manufacturer". Mail order is cheaper.
Check pricewatch.com.





What manufacturer is this? I can't see them selling an open box unit
for $100! That is robbery!

Use the link I gave you to pricewatch and buy a name brand unit. You
can probably have it delivered to you for a total cost of less than $40
(guessing on shipping to MX). The first link at Pricewatch is the Asus
DVD+-RW Dual Layer IDE connection for $25.77. They show free ground
shipping, most likely only US. I don't think it would cost more than
$15 to you.




Terry R.
--
Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.
Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.
.

Greetings,

I did troubleshoot for almost two hours. Here are the results, in case
anyone is still reading:

1. I checked for the IDE channels and DVD optical device in the BIOS and
System / Hardware / Device Manager. They were there.
2. I tested the CD drive and its working IDE connector successfully.
3. I then disconnected the CD to test the DVD alone and isolate the problem.
4. I used the working IDE connector with the DVD and proceeded to test all
jumper combinations. The device was visible in BIOS System / Hardware /
Device Manager
but never worked.

Conclusion, I need a new one. The manufacturer only had a single model, and
was very pricey. I found a better one than the broken one for half the price
from a reputed brand, in a scealed box, with docs and warrante, so I´ll get
and install it.

Thank you all for your help.

Regards,

Jean-Pierre

"dareys" wrote:

Gentlemen (Andrew, Peter, Mark),

I posted this question yesterday and in the process of answering it, cannot
find it anymore. It just disappeared. In any case, here is the original
question and my reply to Andrew, Peter, Mark, below. Thank you.

Greetings,

I accidentally jammed the DVD bay door of a Windows XP SP3 machine. After opening up the PC and removing the device, I was able to clear the jam. I then re-inserted it, and now the device opens and closes perfectly.

Unfortunately, it no longer works. CDs or DVDs can no longer be read. Under Control Pannel / System / Hardware / Device Controlers I can see the information for the DVD and a legend indicating the device is working correctly. NOT!

Anyway, my questions are as follows:

1. Anything else I can do to troubleshoot before I buy a new device?
2. I noticed that the DVC region is not configured for 1 (USA) or 4 (Mexico) where
the machine is located. Would this make a difference?
3. If I have to buy a new DVD device (and I have not done this in a while) I
would like to verify a couple of things:

A) The package should contain the device, a CD with drivers and screws?
I don´t remember these things being plug and play...
B) How do you update the BIOS with the information for the new hardware.
From what I remember, it is hard coded in the BIOS...

I realize some of these questions are hardware related but I hope you
can help.

Thank you very much.

Jean-Pierre

Here is my reply to (Mark, Peter, Andrew´s comments).

First, let me thank you for all the well intentionned feedback. Second, and
as far as your questions, well the The CD and the DVD are IDE devices linked
serially.

Since the malfunction was directly related to an accidental jam of the DVD
bay door, switching the IDE cables would imply a failure of one of the plugs,
which I doubt.

Good troubleshooting tips though, but I seriously doubt this is the issue.

Taking the device out to clear the jam (I had to manually rotate the
ejection mecanism) and the subsequent installation might have have modified
some software setting (like the DVD region which I mention in my email)

Does that sound plausible? Any ideas?

As far as the screws, well perhaps they count on you using the old ones, but
I would think the package would come with them. Also, the last few components
I have bought have come with drivers, hence my question. (e.j. a network card
and a sound card)...

The PC is five years old, but I just can´t belive the new DVD would be plug
and play... Hence my question.

In any case, thank you for the link which I am reading.

Any additional help would be greatly appreciated.

Jean-Pierre

P.S. The manufacturer indicated that a replacement would be around $100.00
USD. You can see why I am troubleshooting...

On 10/23/2009 4:33 PM On a whim, dareys pounded out on the keyboard

Greetings,

I did troubleshoot for almost two hours. Here are the results, in case
anyone is still reading:

1. I checked for the IDE channels and DVD optical device in the BIOS and
System / Hardware / Device Manager. They were there.
2. I tested the CD drive and its working IDE connector successfully.
3. I then disconnected the CD to test the DVD alone and isolate the problem.
4. I used the working IDE connector with the DVD and proceeded to test all
jumper combinations. The device was visible in BIOS System / Hardware /
Device Manager
but never worked.

Conclusion, I need a new one. The manufacturer only had a single model, and
was very pricey. I found a better one than the broken one for half the price
from a reputed brand, in a scealed box, with docs and warrante, so I´ll get
and install it.

Thank you all for your help.

Regards,

Jean-Pierre


You're welcome Jean-Pierre.


Terry R.
--
Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.
Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.

Guys,

Just in case anyone is still reading, many thanks to all for your invaluable
and timely input. I reviewed a lot of things I had forgotten and learned a
few new things which is always good. However, in the end, Terry was right. A
new one did the trick.

Anyway, this will be my final message on the topic.

1. I checked for the IDE channels and DVD optical device in the BIOS and
System / Hardware / Device Manager. They were there.
2. I tested the CD drive and its working IDE connector successfully.
3. I then disconnected the CD to test the DVD alone and isolate the problem.
4. I used the working IDE connector with the DVD and proceeded to test all
jumper combinations. The device was visible in BIOS System / Hardware /
Device Manager but never worked.
5. I did try, as a last resort, to set the zone for the DVD. 1 USA, 4
Mexico, Brazil..
Nothing worked.

I found a better one than the broken one for half the price
from a reputed brand (not the computer manufacturer), in a scealed box,
with docs and warrantee.

I installed it and tested it in a jiffy and it worked awsome.

I just laugh to thing that all in all the whole process took me a few days
of time...
A new one would have samed me a lot of time from the onset.

Anyway, thank you to the Microsoft community. When I finish fixing my own
computer woes, I will try to give back some of the help and good vibe.

Regards,

Jean-Pierre

On behalf of all of us, thanks for posting back with your solution!

dareys wrote:
Guys,

Just in case anyone is still reading, many thanks to all for your invaluable
and timely input. I reviewed a lot of things I had forgotten and learned a
few new things which is always good. However, in the end, Terry was right. A
new one did the trick.

Anyway, this will be my final message on the topic.

1. I checked for the IDE channels and DVD optical device in the BIOS and
System / Hardware / Device Manager. They were there.
2. I tested the CD drive and its working IDE connector successfully.
3. I then disconnected the CD to test the DVD alone and isolate the problem.
4. I used the working IDE connector with the DVD and proceeded to test all
jumper combinations. The device was visible in BIOS System / Hardware /
Device Manager but never worked.
5. I did try, as a last resort, to set the zone for the DVD. 1 USA, 4
Mexico, Brazil..
Nothing worked.

I found a better one than the broken one for half the price
from a reputed brand (not the computer manufacturer), in a scealed box,
with docs and warrantee.

I installed it and tested it in a jiffy and it worked awsome.

I just laugh to thing that all in all the whole process took me a few days
of time...
A new one would have samed me a lot of time from the onset.

Anyway, thank you to the Microsoft community. When I finish fixing my own
computer woes, I will try to give back some of the help and good vibe.

Regards,

Jean-Pierre