CD - ROM missing in Windows ME

Question

Hello,

I have a Dell 24X removable CD ROM, part number 5044D. My computer was recently upgraded to Windows ME, and now the CD ROM no longer functions in windows (there is no drive letter for it in Windows Explorer, and no listing for it in Device Manager), although it does function when booting from CD. It appears the drivers are missing; anybody out there know where to get hold of the correct Windows ME drivers for this device? Or if this isn't the problem, what is?

seek3r · Answer

Hello Bob,

Thanks for the suggestion.

How do I run the Dell diagnostic test?

I've also contacted a reseller of this drive, who suggests that in fact Windows ME shouldn't need CD-ROM drivers. Also, we know that this is not a hardware fault, as we can boot from the CD-ROM, and also upgrade the BIOS from the CD-ROM. It's specifically Windows ME that is not recognising the drive.

It's been suggested that this is because the chipset drivers for the Latitude CPt were not installed when Windows was upgraded to ME. This would mean the CD-ROM controller isn't active, which would explain why the device isn't appearing anywhere within windows. Inspection of the technical specifications indicates that I have the Intel Mobile 440BX AGP or PCI chipset, however I can't find driver files for this specific chipset anywhere on the Dell site (though there are driver files for plenty of other chipsets).

Any idea where I can find the correct chipset drivers?

DELL-BobT · Answer

Seek3r,

Thank you for using the Dell Community Forum.

I suggest running the Dell diagnostic test on the drive. This will tell you if there is a hardware issue with the drive. Then, you may want to try to repair the Windows installation to see if this will add the drivers needed. As a last resort, you can try reinstalling the operating system, after your data is backed up.

DELL-BobT · Answer

Seek3r,

To run the Dell diagnostic test on your computer, place the System Software CD in your computer. Reset the machine and when the Dell logo appears on the screen, press and release [F2] several times until you are in the BIOS. Press the right arrow key to go to the BOOT menu or hold [Alt] and [P] simultaneously to progress to the second page. Change the boot sequence to CD/DVD drive, Floppy drive, Internal HDD. Now press [Esc] or [F10] to save and exit the BIOS.

The following knowledge base article can help you with this:

How to run the Dell diagnostic test knowledge base article.

The program should automatically load. Choose to run the test on the defective hardware.

The drivers for your drive should actually be included in the operating system, especially Windows XP. You might look for drivers at either the Dell web site or the vendor's web site.

seek3r · Answer

Hello Bob,

Thanks for the info - I'll give it a go, but I can't see how it'll help because I already know that it works correctly when booting from CD, or in the BIOS. It's Windows Millennium Edition that has the problem. I appreciate that the drivers for the CD ROM are already part of windows, but it appears that the drivers for the CD ROM controller are not, as my understanding is that this is part of the chipset. Any idea where I can get those chipset drivers?

Thanks again,

Matt.

DELL-BobT · Answer

Matt, If the drivers are not on the Windows CD, or on the Dell download site you may want to try visiting the drive vendor's web site. Thank  you for choosing Dell.

seek3r · Answer

Um, the drive was manufactured by Dell so far as I can tell. There's no indication anywhere on it of any other manufacturer, and Dell is written on it in several places. The vendor for the system was also Dell. I haven't been able to find drivers anywhere on the Dell site, which is why I posted originally. I also still haven't been able to find those chipset drivers...

Matt.

Mr. Lag · Answer

The information I've collected about this CD-ROM drive is that drivers don't exsist for it, neither on the manufacturers (Toshiba) web page, nor the dell web page. I've pretty much looked everywhere I could think to look in with no luck. I'm just hoping if somebody find's the drivers, they would post a link to it.

-Len

Message Edited by Mr. Lag on 11-02-2003 03:32 PM

apr43 · Answer

I had a similar problem like you. I had ME and had several major problems with this software. Dell had me purge my computer and helped me reinstall ME and I lost the use of my E drive and had nothing but trouble with my CD-Rom after that. I spent numerous hours on the phone with Dell trying to figure out what was wrong and searching the internet myself for drivers. They couldn't figure out what happened. After months of fustration I decided to get rid of ME and get XP. WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!!! My CD-Rom and E drive works and my computer quit crashing. I have had nothing but problems since I bought this computer 2 years ago and since I have been using XP I have HAD ZERO problems. YOu many want to get rid of ME....I wished I would have done this months ago.

Good Luck!!

txhookem · Answer

Great advice apr43 - it is eons more reliable of an OS, as MS has pumped so much r&d into their newest generation OSs. Faster, simpler, more secure, greater features, etc. I am not sure that Microsoft will even be supporting it much longer.

Here is a link to their Windows Product Life Cycle. Next month they enter Extended Support Phase - a step away from standard support offerings and towards "paid incident support". This phase is generally between the third and fourth year after general availability. Good bookmark site:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/lifecycle/desktop/consumer/default.mspx

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CD - ROM missing in Windows ME

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