Adding CD-ROM causes HD to stop functioning

ikaika1

Senior member
Sep 8, 2000
237
0
0
I've got an old Compaq my parents use for their e-mail and internet browsing set up in their bedroom. A while ago the slot loading CD-ROM ate a CD and wouldnt give it up until I dismantled it. They didnt need the CD-ROM so it wasnt a big deal when I told them it was dead. Unfortunately their computer has developed a lot of instability recently and I figured before we gave in to more drastic measures I would try a reformat. Now I need a CD-ROM. I pulled my old Phillips CD-R/CD-RW from my box 'o computer parts, stuck it in, and started up. Next thing I know I'm staring at a no fixed disk message. I noticed that when I connect the CD drive's ATA cable, all the power to the drive and the zip drive seems to shut off. When I remove the ATA cable, however, the HD comes alive and spins up. I cant be specific about the motherboard because I just dont know. The model number of the Compaq is 4814 if that will help at all. Anything you've got would be appreciated.
 

Ausm

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
25,213
14
81
Check the devices to make sure that the Burner is the master and the HD is the slave...if that doesn't work the switch the Master/Slave jumpers on the devices and try it again

Ausm
 

Ausm

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
25,213
14
81
Oh additional Info...only one Device can be either the slave or master they cannot both be master/master or Slave/Slave

Ausm
 

ObiDon

Diamond Member
May 8, 2000
3,435
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0
Also, in case you have one of those old unkeyed IDE cables, double-check to make sure you aren't plugging it in backwards. The red-striped edge should be on the side closest to where the power cable plugs into the drive ;)