CD/DVD scratching noise

Question

Hi

I currently have a 1yr old Inspiron 640m notebook. at start-up whilst the BIOS is loading my CD/DVD drive makes a reasonably load scratching noise as if the laser is scratching a CD. However it does this when a CD is not loaded. Occasionally it will do this when inserting a CD after booting has finished. Once the disk has started spinning at speed this noise does not occur. So i think it has to do with the laser reader, possible the motor that moves it.

1) Why is this occurring?

2) What can i do to resolve this noise as it does not sound good?

Your thoughts and suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Message Edited by Geoff_3 on 10-03-2007 06:14 PM

Tom_Philippines · Answer

Please try downloading the firmware driver of your optical drive by first visiting http://support.us.dell.com  and submitting the specifications of your Inspiron. The problem might be resolved by just that. In that website, go to the link Technical Support and then to Driver Update Download. It will guide you to find the right driver for your Inspiron CD/DVD drive.   If it does not, you need to have an extensive hardware diagnosis by F12 when you re-boot and select the Optical / CD/ DVD drive when you see that Diagnostic Tool. If found to fail the test, it will need replacement. The proper way to isolate the problem though is by first trying to download the latest driver for your Optical Drive.   --- Tom

Severus S · Answer

Geoff_3,   Drivers for optical drives are part of the Operating system. To re-install them, un-install the drive from Device Manager and re-boot the machine.   Firmware refers to read-only memory (ROM) chips that store permanent instructions. Firmware boots up computerized or digital devices, as ROM chips are non-volatile, meaning they do not require a power source to hold their contents.   If you are under warranty, the proper step is to contact Dell first. The link for Dell diagnostic Inspiron 640m   Drivers and Download Inspiron 640M   Good day, Severus

Calla Lily · Answer

Hi Geoff_3, I think I remember you from the time you were asking around about upgrading your RAM chips.  By looking at your signature at the end of your post, it looks like you did not go ahead with teh upgrade?   Anyway, as to your CD/DVD issue, it reminds me of the time when I had Inspiron 6000.  At start up when the laptop is first turned on, I kept on hearing these strange sounds, though mine only produced such sounds during start up. I remember calling Dell about this issue, and if my memory serves me correctly, they got me to do PC Restore by Symantec, and also had me remove the CD/DVD drive and put it back in, but the problem did not solve, so they sent me a replacement.  Not sure if your problem is exaclty the same as what I went through back then, but by any chance, have you removed the CD/DVD drive at all before?  If so, could the screw that holds the drive to the laptop be loose perhaps?  Just a thought.    Also, you might already know this, but just in case you don't, when Dell got me to remove the CD/DVD drive, they didn't just get me to remove it.  I had to go through some steps prior to actually removing the drive.  I can't remember the exact procedure, but I think it involved something along the lines of removing the battery first, pressing the on/off button for 6 seconds or so to get rid of any residual electricity, then grounding yourself, etc.... Please don't quote me on this, because I don't remember the exact steps.  I think things like removing the CD/DVD drive should be in the owner's manual.   As one of the posters above have said, maybe you can give Dell a call and see what they think the issue is.  Hope things turn out OK.   Calla

Storage, Drives & Media

CD/DVD scratching noise

Was this post helpful?