D/ Drive problem

brabus · Nov 04, 2009, 20:23:19

Hi All, my problem is when i put a disc a c/d or a dvd,my p/c nine times out of ten it will not play or open it. when i fiddle about with my nero 7. or windows mediaplayer, a message comes up telling me to insert disc into D drive but it is already in D drive, then if i keep on trying i will get a message saying no disc in D drive ,although some photo discs will work, i am not at all experienced with the disc side of computing, my wife makes greeting cards but when she loads her focus multimedia disc it does not recognise the disc, she has been using this disc for three years with no problems .This problem started after i copied two photo disc's. could anyone help me please, Kind Regards,geoff. p/s. i also run Foxit reader , nero 7. startsmart, & adobe photo shop elements 5, many thanks for your time, geoff.

D-Dan · Nov 04, 2009, 20:32:23

CD/DVD are fragile beasts, and especially susceptible to dust, smoke etc. First thing I would do (if you are confident about it) is take the drive out, open the tray, pop the front facia off, open it up and clean the lens with a cotton bud and rubbing alcohol. Leave for about 20 minutes in a clean room (no smoking) to let it dry, then re-assemble and put it back.

If that doesn't work, it may be on it's way out and time to buy a new one. Since the price of optical drives is now so low, they are almost a disposable item.

Steve

Edit: To open the tray with no power - get a paperclip or something similar - straighten it and push it into the little hole that is probably just below the tray. You need to do this to pop the fascia off, and you need to do this to be able to open the case of the drive. Or, you could do what I did and buy a professional tray opening tool which, ermmmm, looks like a straightened out paperclip.

Steve

brabus · Nov 04, 2009, 21:21:47

Hi Steve, i am not very confident (am a 64year old silver & bald serfer

) i am going to digest what you have suggested i do, then after a stiff drink i am going to bite the bullet and have ago!!

Many thanks Steve for your time and help,I will be back

Kind Regards Geoff.

Ray · Nov 04, 2009, 21:24:30

Geoff.

Simon · Nov 04, 2009, 21:56:28

Just another thing you could try, Geoff, is to pop the computer case open, and make sure that all the connections to the CD drive are fully 'home'. If you have no joy with that, or Steve's suggestion, it might be just as easy to replace it, as you can can get a CD / DVD Writer for under £20 these days, and we can help you to select one and install it if necessary.

D-Dan · Nov 04, 2009, 22:01:15

It sounds worse than it is Geoff. From one bald guy to another (how can you be a bald silver surfer, by the way), it's no more difficult than opening a bottle of stout on a door.

And as Simon said, if you make a complete mess of it, a new drive will set you back less than £20 (as low as £12 in some cases).

Steve

talos · Nov 05, 2009, 08:29:16

This may sound obvious but, make sure the power is OFF, plug out, before you go poking around with a paper clip or opening the case

Rik · Nov 05, 2009, 08:39:33

Quote from: D-Dan on Nov 04, 2009, 22:01:15
how can you be a bald silver surfer, by the way

Never heard of beards, Steve?

Welcome to the forum, Geoff. You are not alone in the pink hair department.

talos · Nov 05, 2009, 10:56:11

from another slaphead

Simon · Nov 05, 2009, 11:16:27

Crikey, has no one round here got hair?

Rik · Nov 05, 2009, 11:17:14

Not since my angiogram.

Simon · Nov 05, 2009, 11:23:38

Too much information!

Rik · Nov 05, 2009, 11:25:46

Ray · Nov 05, 2009, 11:44:56

Quote from: Simon on Nov 05, 2009, 11:16:27
Crikey, has no one round here got hair?

I have.

Rik · Nov 05, 2009, 11:46:14

One up for you, Ray.

D-Dan · Nov 05, 2009, 11:52:49

Hey - I have a full head of hair. OK, it's on my chest - but still.......

Rik · Nov 05, 2009, 11:54:55

Mine's on my chin.