Laptop will read and write DVD but it won't even read CDs

[holden j caufield]

Has anyone encountered this?

 

[Rubycon]

The 780 nanometer laser part of the pickup is non functional.

 

[Bill Kunert]

I had a dvd burner on an e-Machine a couple of years ago that would read and write dvd's but would not read any cd. Nothing you can do except replace it because I can't imagine repairing it would cost less than the $35 a decent burner costs.

 

[Hyperlite]

a friend of mine is having the same problem with his E1705. so the drive is shot?

 

[Rubycon]

Yes the drive is shot - it's far cheaper to replace it. If you're into lasers don't chuck it out as the DVD-R laser is a strong class 3B device capable of 200+ mw output which can light /burn stuff.

If you don't know what you're doing it's best to toss it - that output will blind you faster than you can say seeing eye dog. You only get one pair of eyes and you cannot buy another at WalMart.

 

[Hyperlite]

alright, we fiddled with some more stuff, and it will now read and write audio CDs, but will not read data cds (games etc). now thats weird.

 

[oynaz]

Try and boot with an Ubuntu live CD, and see if you can read all kinds of discs that way.

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: Hyperlite
alright, we fiddled with some more stuff, and it will now read and write audio CDs, but will not read data cds (games etc). now thats weird.

Audio CDs can have read errors and will "guess" the correct audio output. That doesn't cut it with data.

 

[corkyg]

MS Dawn puts her finger on the problem. In simple terms, the drive has two lasers - one for CDs and the other for DVDs. It seems like your CD laser component is bad - could be a dirty lens, but probably not. The cheapest fix is to replace the unit.

 

[Hyperlite]

Originally posted by: corkyg
MS Dawn puts her finger on the problem. In simple terms, the drive has two lasers - one for CDs and the other for DVDs. It seems like your CD laser component is bad - could be a dirty lens, but probably not. The cheapest fix is to replace the unit.

alright. is there any way i could get my hands on a drive instead of sending the whole thing back to dell? i understand warranty implications, blah blah

edit: does anyone know if any of these drives will fit into the E1705? It appears you can't buy a replacement drive directly from dell, so i can't see any pics, and i don't have access to the 1705 atm.

 

[corkyg]

Have you tried using different media? The E1705 is pretty new for such a failure. Is it still under warranty?

 

[GreenGhost]

I have the problem with an old DVD player (not a computer drive).

 

[pcgeek11]

Originally posted by: Hyperlite

Originally posted by: corkyg
MS Dawn puts her finger on the problem. In simple terms, the drive has two lasers - one for CDs and the other for DVDs. It seems like your CD laser component is bad - could be a dirty lens, but probably not. The cheapest fix is to replace the unit.

alright. is there any way i could get my hands on a drive instead of sending the whole thing back to dell? i understand warranty implications, blah blah

edit: does anyone know if any of these drives will fit into the E1705? It appears you can't buy a replacement drive directly from dell, so i can't see any pics, and i don't have access to the 1705 atm.

The last time I had an issue with a warranty Dell Optical drive I emailed them step by step what I had done to isolate the issue and I think it is the drive. They emailed me to verify my customer information and they shipped me a new drive 2 day delivery and I shipped the warranty defective one back. All postage paid by Dell. The email support usually beats phione support anyway, Unless you are fluent in a certain foreign language.

pcgeek11

pcgeek11