Computer Help

[cowshrptrn]

I'm trying to figure out why my DVD drive isn't working. When i go to my computer it sees it as a drive, if i try to access it explorer freezes up. When i put a DVD or CD in it give me the reading disk icon, but it never actually opens up. It just keeps on spinning, but never opens.

I opened up the computer and checked to make sure the connections weren't loose, and i updated the drivers (not in that order...), i can't think of anything else that would cause the DVD drive to stop working, then again i don't know all that much about this sort of thing

any input would be great, thnx

[2dimes]

If you have a second one swap it out and see if it's the drive it's self.

[cowshrptrn]

i don't have any spare drives cept for a CD burner that is on the same computer. i guess i could try that and maybe rule out the bus. But it still wouldn't rule out any software problems

[flashleg8]

Maybe the lens is dusty and can't read the disk - is it accessable to clean? I've only ever opened a Hi-Fi to clean not a PC so I wouldn't know.

Either that or just take a hammer to it and go back to floppy disks

[frodobaggins994]

the hammer part would be fun but the floppy disk part stinks lol

[cowshrptrn]

Maybe the lens is dusty and can't read the disk - is it accessable to clean? I've only ever opened a Hi-Fi to clean not a PC so I wouldn't know.

Either that or just take a hammer to it and go back to floppy disks

gah, that'd means i'd have a room full of floppies for one or two DVDs worth of storage. I'm only using the CD-RW drive now, good thing i bought my comptuer w/ two drives. Sucks cus i got Flight Simulator X as a gift, and its on data DVDs

i tried blowing into the disk drive to clean the lens, it worked for NES cartridges....

[2dimes]

Ok I'm thinking it's not a dirty lens, unless you put peanut butter on your DVDs or something. You didn't right? Did you try swapping the drives? I know that doesn't rule out soft ware but if the DVD still doesn't read CDs and the CD drive does. It makes it look like it's probably the cause.

If you take the drive to most computer stores they might check it for you for free because they would love to sell you a replacement.

What about running trouble shoot?

[flashleg8]

Ohh, I might know actually. If its a brand new DVD drive you've fitted - you might have to select the region you're in before it works - I had problems when I first fitted mine (played CDs but not DVDs). If its just stopped working and isn't new then its probably not that.