Is this cd-rw drive a lost cause???

[Joe2683]

I have a CD Burner that I bought in a computer on ebay about a year ago, maybe less. Lately it has been giving me problems and errors whenever I try to burn, something about power calibration errors. Does anybody think I should spend the money on a technician or is it a lost cause??

 

[Magicthyse]

Well, if you will buy on ebay...

Most drives come with a drive test program. Did you get one? Can you download it from the mfgr's website? Run it and see what it tells you. On the other hand, it may just be dirty - I've always just thrown drives away as and when they develop faults, but I know it's possible to clean them - I'm sure someone else here can help you with that.

 

[Kato]

More info needed. Make and model, burner software used, OS, system used. As far as repair, latest IDE writers are going for $60-$100. Probably cost more to get a tech to open the drive unless you have a tech as a friend.

 

[Slikkster]

I would NOT do the tech route...throwing good money after bad. Just decide for yourself that you're willing to get another one if you need to, then try to clean the lens.

You can also try a different brand of media (disc) to burn in it, and also try setting the speed lower. But sounds like you're going to have to do the lens cleaning routine. No guarantees that will work, either.

Some people recommend using an alcohol-based solvent on a q-tip. I'd just go with a low-tech solution, and buy a can of compressed air. Open up drawer, stick the skinny red straw that attaches to the nozzle of the air can inside, and give short bursts in various places to try and dislodge some dust.

If that doesn't do it, you can always take the cover off the thing and try to clean the lens itself with some solvent, and definitely one that's not going to leave any residue.

They also sell those cd disk cleaners that have a little brush on the disc. I don't know if I'd go that route...that's friction, and could easily scratch the lens.
I have no experience with them except on an old cdrom player for playing music cd's. It only worked temporarily.

 

[Joe2683]

As far as make and model I have no idea, looks real generic.
I use Easy Adaptec CD Creater 4 running on ME on a 1.2 ghz AMD Athlon with 256 MB Ram on a generic MOBO.


P.S. What is an example of a solvent that won't leave any residue?

 

[Willoughbyva]

For a solvent I would use clear rubbing alcohol. I did it about 5 years ago to clean a drive, but haven't had to recently. Maybe there will be something bettrer now?

 

[Kato]

<< As far as make and model I have no idea, looks real generic.
I use Easy Adaptec CD Creater 4 running on ME on a 1.2 ghz AMD Athlon with 256 MB Ram on a generic MOBO.


P.S. What is an example of a solvent that won't leave any residue? >>



Your EZCD should identify the make/model. You can also try a different burner program. Nero is free for trial period at www.ahead.de.

 

[Slikkster]

there are different kinds of Isopropyl (rubbing) alchohol...you want to find one with a higher percentage of pure alchohol vs. a more diluted type they sell in grocery stores. Drug stores often have the type that's at least 90 percent alcohol (read the labels). The ones you find in grocery stores have more water content...more in the 70 percent range. Maybe Radio Shack would be a good choice, but do NOT get "Tuner Cleaner/Lubricant"...that's got oils in it and definitely defeats the purpose of what you want. You want an electronics spray cleaner...NOT a lubricant.