laptop cd/dvd drives suck

[fffblackmage]

My Inspiron 1520 is my second laptop. The first was a Compaq Presario (900MHz Duron, really old). In both cases, the cd/dvd drive are the first to stop working. Actually, that's the only thing wrong with both laptops.

I was trying to install Win 7 RC on my 1520 when it refused to boot from CD/DVD regardless of what OS I put in it. I had absolutely no idea why it isn't working now.

Any ideas what I can do to troubleshoot? And my warranty already expired, which explains why I'm here and not still on the phone with Dell.

EDIT: Okaaay... I removed the drive and put it back in after staring at it for a while, and now it decided to work again.... >_>

 

[Rottie]

I am curious have you tried with other dvd/cd in the drive? I dont think the drive itself is dead but it could be your dvd disc is dirty or corrupted? some discs are not working with some drive.

 

[Athena]

Originally posted by: fffblackmage
And my warranty already expired, which explains why I'm here and not still on the phone with Dell.

Did you by any chance buy it with a card that includes Extended Warranty? If so, I'd advise claiming it.

 

[fffblackmage]

Originally posted by: Rottie
I am curious have you tried with other dvd/cd in the drive? I dont think the drive itself is dead but it could be your dvd disc is dirty or corrupted? some discs are not working with some drive.

I did try other discs and while I can hear the drive spin up, nothing shows up in windows. It simply doesn't think there's a disc in the drive at all.

Oddly, removing the drive from the laptop and putting it back in made it work again. So, all is well, for now....

Originally posted by: AthenaDid you by any chance buy it with a card that includes Extended Warranty? If so, I'd advise claiming it.

nope, no extended warranty whatsoever.

Warranty is a funny thing though. It's nice to have when something goes wrong, but if nothing happens, it doesn't feel like you're making use of it and makes it really not worth getting in the first place. =/

 

[IlllI]

some dvd drives are quirky about the types of media you use. see if there is any firmware update for it

 

[Rottie]

I forgot to mention that old laptop doesnt read cd disc created by Nero or Roxio program. I figured it was the cd drive even though the drive still working fine.