[use_me]

Hi Guys,

I hope this is the correct forum!

Ok, having a strange problem with the CD Drive on a Dell Optiplex SX260, runnning Windows 2000 Professional:

The CD Drive is recognised by the computer - ie. it shows in the list under My Computer, Hardware Manager says the hardware is installed and running correctly, and it supplies power to it - ie. the drive will open / close when pressed.

However, when you insert a CD into the drive, it makes the noise expected, when loading a CD, but never gets any further - instead it keeps doing this and never loads the CD.

Clicking on the drive in My Computer pops up a Windows message asking you to insert a CD into the drive.

The computer appears to be virus free according to Avast Pro, CCleaner has fixed all the registry issues it found etc.

Google = no similar issue on Windows 2000 lol. HELP!

I'm fairly competent with PC's so feel that I need help now from you guys, as this has lost me!

Thanks

Rich

[tomthedrummer1992]

Is it only with one disk or with several disks?

Maybe the laser needs cleaning - if this is the case I would just recommend getting another drive as they are so cheap to buy it's just much elss hassle!

[use_me]

It's with any disc I put in there. CD-R, CD-RW, Microsoft Discs, Music CD's etc etc etc.

I would put another drive in, but being the model it is, it's a weird one - ultra small etc. A quick look on the Dell site didn't throw up a replacement drive :(

[tomthedrummer1992]

Having a quick look at it, it takes an ordinary dell CD/DVD drive like they use in their laptops - I know the ones we have at school which are similar also take these drives.

I shall have a look and see if I can find one.

[use_me]

Ah ok - I hadn't even thought about the possibility of it being a laptop drive!

If you have anything lying around, please let me know, I may be interested.

Thanks

Rich

[tomthedrummer1992]

After looking round I can't find a spare. Cheapest on ebay is about £30 inc P&P.

[use_me]

Thanks, I will get on the 'bay.

Reckon that is the solution? The unit isn't exactly worth much anymore, so wondering if it's even worth it now lol.

[tomthedrummer1992]

I'm not sure to be honest.

If it's not seeing the CD's then I would GUESS it's something wrong with the DVD drive and that would be my first point of call. Or, if you are thinking of getting a new PC in the future anyway, then you could just get a USB one for now and then get a new PC at a later date.

Or if you are loacted near me you could pop in and I could have a look at it.

[computeruler]

what are the specs of the computer? how much in the future will you be getting a new one? honeslty not even nowing the specs i would say its worth it but thats just me cause i love to have tons of old working computers in my house (but i have none i need more!!!!!)

[tomthedrummer1992]

Just another thought - are all the drivers up to date for the CD drive?