DVD/CD-ROM drive no longer working

Question

I have a Dell Vostro 200 desktop with a non-functioning internal DVD/CD-ROM drive.

Device Manager shows it as: HL-DT-ST DVD+-RW GSA-H73N and indicates it is functioning properly (no yellow warnings). The drive appears in Windows Explorer but I cannot view the content of any disks that I insert in the drive - CDs, DVDs, etc. The only recent update I have made was to Apple iTunes (updated from 10.1? to the latest version 10.5.1.42). Wondering if that has anything to do with it or whether the drive coincidently stopped working.

I tried Microsoft Fixit but that did not fix the problem. I then read about removing LowerFilters and UpperFilters using regedit, which I did without backing up the registry. That did not resolve the problem either but instead introduced two new issues: iTunes mentioned something about not being able to transfer from or burn data to dics (something like that), and Roxio Creator DE (pre-loaded from Dell) shows "No drive detected" in the Destination Selection. I found an Apple Support message about the proper UpperFilters value for iTunes, followed their instructions to add it back into the registry, and iTunes no longer shows the previous message, however when I run the iTunes Diagnostic function, it cannot find/detect an Audio CD in the DVD/CD drive.

I would really like to get the drive functioning again so I can install software, listen to music, etc.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

osprey4 · Answer

Hi Stemsiis,

The first thing I want you to do is run the Dell diagnostics, so we know whether there is a hardware problem. To test your CD/DVD drive from the utility partition:

1. Reboot your system. When you see the Dell logo, hit F12 to enter the boot menu.

2. Select Boot to utility partition or Diagnostics.

3. Select Test System.

4. Select Custom Test.

5. Use the arrow keys or mouse to select your CD/DVD drive.

6. Insert a CD or DVD.

7. Click Run Tests.

8. Write down any error messages.

stemsiis · Answer

Good evening Osprey,

I ran the tests you recommended and received the following error message:

Error Code: 0F00:2870

Msg: Optical drive BIST -- OPU test failed. Make sure there is no media in the drive.

I removed my CD from the drive and retested, but got the same result.

The earlier Read Test and Seek Test each returned "Not Applicable". I received a message on those two tests that "The CD inserted in your CD-ROM drive does not contain any data tracks. You must insert a CD containing data such as a software installation CD if you would like to try again." I did re-test with an installation disk but got the same message.

Look forward to your reply.

Thanks again.

rdunnill · Answer

I know from personal experience that iTunes can make an optical drive non-functional.

I'm not sure if uninstalling iTunes is an option for you, but that was one application I decided I didn't need, a decision only reinforced when I traced a problem with high CPU usage to an iTunes service confusing the Microsoft anti-malware engine.

osprey4 · Answer

Those results indicate the drive needs to be replaced. Your system requires a standard SATA DVD burner. They're fairly inexpensive, $25-30, and easy to replace.

stemsiis · Answer

Thanks for your help diagnosing the problem.  Any recommendations for a reliable SATA DVD burner?  Not sure I want to replace with the same unit or manufacturer given this experience.

osprey4 · Answer

A good place to shop would be Newegg. Here are a bunch of DVD burners they offer. Most of the brands have good reputations, but browse the reviews to see what people like.

rdunnill · Answer

This is as good as anything and I'm using one in my mini-ITX build: www.newegg.com/.../Product.aspx

osprey4 · Answer

Wow, $17. Gotta love that price.

rdunnill · Answer

:emotion-15:

stemsiis · Answer

Thanks everyone.

Is there a preferred / recommended process to remove the old drive from the system and install a new one? I'm more concerned about software / bios changes than I am with the physical removal and installation. If there's a FAQ on this, just let me know. Thanks again.

osprey4 · Answer

If the new drive plugs into the same SATA port as the old one, there should be no BIOS or software changes needed. But it's always a good idea to check the BIOS immediately after the physical installation, then check that your burning software recognizes the new drive. For Roxio, you should see something like this when you open the application:

Storage, Drives & Media

DVD/CD-ROM drive no longer working

Was this post helpful?