Bizarre DVD Drive problem

VH

I've got a bizarre problem with my DVD ROM drive. All of a sudden it has stopped reading certain types of disk.

It can read music CDs without any problem, but it refuses to read CD ROMs with non-music data on. However, it reads and plays DVDs fine?!?!?!? If I put a data CD ROM in, the PC doesn't even detect the disk, and if I click on the drive in Explorer, I get a 'please insert a disc' message.

Has anyone ever come across this problem before?

I'm running Windows XP Pro, the drive is an NEC DV-5800A. Driver version is 5.1.2535.0 and I have never updated the driver since I got the PC (around 3 years ago). I thought about updating the driver but can't find any version later than I've got.

I've done all the usual checks, cleaned the drive, uninstalled / reinstalled drivers, checked cables, tried different CDs etc., but problem doesn't go away.

DVB_3

Drive's optical pickup has most probably failed. I came across such a drive once before (could read DVDs, but not CDs). That drive was scrapped, as the repair would've costed more than the new drive.

DVB_3

It is highly improbable that driver could be responsible. You could try to update firmware - there is a slim chance it might help.

SnowyOwl_2

Hi

I am getting a similar problem but on my laptop, ie it doesn't register that there is a disc in the D drive. I don't even know how to start trying to sort this out myself - can anyone help?

Thanks.

DVB_3

DVD? CD? Or it does not register any disk?

SnowyOwl_2

Hi

I've only used CDs in it, don't have a DVD in my possession. Since your post I've tried a few different CDs - a pre-recorded music one, the CD that came with my printer, my Yahoo set up CD, and a CD which I loaded with Word, Excel etc type documents. None of these have been recognised.

DVB_3

As you insert the disk - does it spin up?

SnowyOwl_2

I can hear it spinning but the little green D drive light does not illuminate.

DVB_3

Can you try DVD?

culpepper

if it spins the disc,try putting a cd drive cleaning disc through it,it might just be dirty.