Problems with HL-DT-ST CD-RW GCE-8481B

Question

Hello,

I have a Dell Dimensions 8200 with a secondary CD-writer HL-DT-ST CD-RW GCE-8481B. I have a rather unusual problem - one day the CD-RW drive stopped recognising all media, whether it's data or audio cd's or blank CDR's. In the Device Manager properties the CDRW is listed with all features, all options available, device working properly, no problem codes. However, when I load in a CD it's simply as if the cd drive lost all capability of reading it. Usually, if I click on a removable storage drive with no media inside it'll tell you that no disk loaded, please insert disk, but in the case of this drive it just displays a blank screen.

I have tried uninstalling the DRW drive and letting Dimensions 8200 system recognise it and this process goes just fine, no problem. It instantly recognises the hardware, loads the drivers, the CDRW is back in the device manager and My Computer setup, but it does not read or burn any CD that I load into it! I tried that several times but to no avail.

I tried using the Dell Resource CD that came with the computer. Here's the error log I got:

Test Errors
IDE CDRW - Confidence Test : Fail
Result Code: 0F00-133D
Msg: IDE device failed: Incompatible CD for testing.

IDE CDRW - Read Test : Fail
Result Code: 0F00-023D
Msg: IDE device failed: Incompatible CD for testing.

IDE CDRW - Seek Test : Fail
Result Code: 0F00-043D
Msg: IDE device failed: Incompatible CD for testing.

This is not a CD problem, because I tried several data CD's that came with my Dell computer, including the Windows XP CD and it does not recognise any of them. My primary CDROM reads all those data CD's just fine, no problem. On repeated attempts to run diagnostics on the CDRW drive it started telling me that "no data disk loaded into drive", so now I am completely baffled.

I bought the computer at the very end of 2002, the CDRW is not even 2 years old.

I would sincerely appreciate any assistance as this is driving me nuts!

Thanks a lot in advance,

Anton

akolpa · Answer

Thank you very much for replying,

Unfortunately, Dell does not have any updates or drivers or firmware for my CDRW drive (which is kinda ridiculous, if you asked me - I have done a search in the forums for GCE-8481B prior to posting my message and it seems that a LOT of people are having problems with this model and nobody from Dell seems to have any kind of valid answer). The only updates for removable storage devices of similar types are for HLDS GCE-8400B HH 40X CDRW and HLDS GCR-8481B HH 48X CD-ROM .

I am so desperate I am considering installing firmware for HLDS GCE-8400B HH 40X CDRW since it's a cd-writer by the same manufacturer. How do I backup my original firmware, though? This is all pretty frustrating, I kinda expected Dell support to be a notch higher than Compaq or HP...

regards,
Anton

Predator · Answer

Hi Anton,Not that my opinion means much but it sure looks like the drive has simply failed to me.Dell does have a firmware update for this drive, use the Downloads tab above, enter information for your system and follow the links. We have seen a firmare correct problems with a drive and 'fix' what looked / seemed like a bad drive, you c might consider giving it a try. Also if per chance you have the extended warranty thn contact Dell by phone, your test results should be enough to justify a replacement.Best Regards God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, the good fortune to run into the ones I do and the eyesight to tell thedifference. CD/RW Link

DtheD · Answer

Anton,

I'm not sure I'd recommend going to the 8400B. That's the writer I have and I was going through recent messages because that unit has suddenly stopped recognizing any disks on my my Dimension 8200. I was trying to find any messages for which a solution was proposed when I came across yours.

DtheD

Predator · Answer

Hi Anton,I agree with DthD, do not use the 8400 firmware. Click on the CD/RW link in my post and scroll to Section 5-1-01. There you will find the Dell Firmware update, also the firmware for the 8400. Both these firmware state they address an issue with Mandrake 9.1, however some firmware updates will correct other issues not listed, currently you have nothing to loose, other than time.Best Regards God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, the good fortune to run into the ones I do and the eyesight to tell thedifference. CD/RW Link Message Edited by Predator on 09-02-2004 11:55 PM

btb71 · Answer

I have a 8250. I had the same problem with the same drive. I called Dell. On the second call Dell said the drive is bad. The following day I received a nec cd/dvd+rw nd-1100a dirve as a replacement. Try giving dell a call. Its worth the shot.

akolpa · Answer

Thanks, folks.

Yes, the CDRW is dead and Dell tech support is stumped. Unfortunately, they only offer 1-year ltd warranty and my cdrw drive is 1.5 years old, so they basically told me I was out of luck. Kinda expected Dell-associated hardware to be a a tad more reliable, even my compaq's and hp's lasted longer.

think it's time for a new configuration...

cheers,Anton

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Problems with HL-DT-ST CD-RW GCE-8481B

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