TS-H653A DVD problem - locks up, won't eject and won't recognize disc

Question

I just bought a new Dimension E521 with Windows Vista.  It came with a TSST TS-H653A dvd +/- rw drive.  However, I have had nothing but problems.  The disc drive locks up and then won't eject.  I put a new blank disc (I have tried both cd and dvd versions and both r and rw) and format the disc.  I then move pictures or select them and then burn.  When I try to open the disc I get an error that says 'insert disc', but I already have a disc in the system.  It even shows the name of the disc but shows 0 items on the disc.  I have tried several different programs including Windows Photo Gallery, Adobe Photoshop Album; Ulead -- All have the same problem.  So that problem has been ruled out.  I chatted online the other day and we tried to uninstall the drive, but it got stuck and wouldn't uninstall.  I tried to uninstall in the safe mode.  The first time I did this, it did uninstall and then I restarted Windows and it reloaded.  However, it did not fix the problem.  I have tried to uninstall again both in regular and safe mode and it just goes into a non-responsive mode and locks up.  The tech from Dell set up a call back from another technician and we discussed all of the problems I was having and he said that it was probably a defective drive.  So he ordered me a new one and the technician came today, removed the old one and installed a new one.  This did not fix my problem.  Still  having same issues.  Once the dvd drives locks up, I have to completely restart  my computer.  The problem seems to be with reading a new disc, because when I put in a disc that I burned with my old XP system, it reads just fine and does not hang up or lock.  I don't know what else to try.  I have tried to go through the CD/DVD links listed in the reply posts, but get lost.  Is anyone else experiencing the same problem?  Are there any solutions out there????

Predator · Answer

Hi Kcobb4,I am curious, did Dell replace the 653A with another 653A?Dell has released firmware updates for the drive, so it is possible both drives may have the original release firmware.You will find it and the instructions here:TSST 653AAlso did the Tech Clear the NVRAM (CMOS) and/or try another SATA port?Also did the Tech run the article on the Upper & Lower Filters?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 08-07-2007 09:16 PM

kcobb4 · Answer

yes they did replace and I have already loaded the firmware.  We did not try any of the next steps you suggested.  I am not all that computer savy, so any step by step would be helpful.

Predator · Answer

Hi Kcobb4,Click on the CD/RW link in my post and scroll to Section 11, article 2. Then scroll down to Special Note #5 from Dell-ChrisM; you should see:'Reset Bios Setup defaults'; Your system is included in this list, follow his instructions.If this does not help, same CD/RW link, Section 101, article 10. This is Microsoft`s article on the filters.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

kcobb4 · Answer

I called Dell and the technician had me do a variety of troubleshooting things.  He had me go to system setup and checked the SATA settings and all looked ok.  Finally, I had to open the computer and switch the cables for both the power and the hard drive and that seemed to fix the issue.  At least, it seems to be working now.  I took the power cable from the dvd drive and plugged into the hard drive and vice versa.  Then I did the same with the other cable.  What a weird solution.  Hopefully this will be the answer to my problems.  I will put up another post in a couple of days if it is still working so maybe other users may benefit from it.  Thanks for your prompt response.

Predator · Answer

Hi Kcobb4,Thank you for providing us with the steps the Tech ran you through. Switching the power cables is not one I have seen lately. Please do get back with us in a few days to see how she is holding up. Drop me a PM if you do not mind to let me know when you post back.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

kcobb4 · Answer

It looks like this really did fix the problem.  I have tried my Adobe Photoshop and then I also tried the Windows Vista Photo Gallery and no problems whatsoever.  Go figure..................  What was really done was just switching the cables plugged into the motherboard.  There is a cable that comes out of the drive and goes straight to the motherboard and then there is another cable that goes from the motherboard to the hard drive.  I just pulled those both out from the motherboard and just switched them.  That easy.  There are probably a couple of tips that you should keep in mind if you try this.   Most important! 1. Make sure that you unplug the power supply from the unit or from your surge protector. Then....... 2. The technician then had me press and hold the power button on the outside of the computer for a few seconds (not really sure why)  Maybe our All-Knowing moderator may be able to enlighten us. 3. Make sure that you know what you are unplugging before you start yanking out cables:smileyvery-happy:  If you are unsure, call the Dell Support line.  The technician I spoke to last night, Kyle, was extremely helpful.  He stayed on the phone with me for 2 1/2 hours and was determined to find an answer to the problem.  Kudos to Kyle!!! 4. Only try this if all else fails........   Good luck.  Hope this helps.

de11nomore · Answer

kcobb4 wrote:

It looks like this really did fix the problem. I have tried my Adobe Photoshop and then I also tried the Windows Vista Photo Gallery and no problems whatsoever. Go figure.................. What was really done was just switching the cables plugged into the motherboard. There is a cable that comes out of the drive and goes straight to the motherboard and then there is another cable that goes from the motherboard to the hard drive. I just pulled those both out from the motherboard and just switched them. That easy. There are probably a couple of tips that you should keep in mind if you try this.

Most important!

1. Make sure that you unplug the power supply from the unit or from your surge protector.

Then.......

2. The technician then had me press and hold the power button on the outside of the computer for a few seconds (not really sure why) Maybe our All-Knowing moderator may be able to enlighten us.

3. Make sure that you know what you are unplugging before you start yanking out cables:smileyvery-happy: If you are unsure, call the Dell Support line. The technician I spoke to last night, Kyle, was extremely helpful. He stayed on the phone with me for 2 1/2 hours and was determined to find an answer to the problem. Kudos to Kyle!!!

4. Only try this if all else fails........

Good luck. Hope this helps.

I have an Inspiron 531 with this same drive TS-653A with the same problems; will read but won't write. I also have a TS-H493B drive with same issues. Also a floppy drive that won't read or write anything. After trouble shooting and a clean install of windows, Dell decided to replace all three, but when the tech came today, he only had the TS-653A; he replaced it. Once again it played just fine. When I mentioned to him that my problem had been with writing, he said he was only required to check if it played a DVD showing that the drive worked!!

I'm wondering how many cables need to be switched to get my system to work? Who did you get ahold of that was able to diagnose this problem? I don't feel that I should have to be researching this like I am to fix a brand new system, especially given that this is a replacement for another system that didn't work!

Predator · Answer

Thanks for getting back with us Michele !

Your Dell is a All SATA system and normally the set up we see is the Hard drive on SATA 0. SATA 1 is used for second Hard drive; SATA 2 & 3 are normally used for optical drives.
Here is your motherboard:

#5 is serial ATA drive connectors (SATA2, SATA3)
#6 is serial ATA drive connectors (SATA0, SATA1)

Do you recall where they were originally?

Quote from Dell on power button:
Hold the power button in 5 seconds to discharge the computer.

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 the difference.

CD/RW Link

kcobb4 · Answer

The cables were plugged into SATA 0 & 1.  I just switched these out.  When I turned the computer back on, it kind of went a little crazy 'cross-eyed' and then said changes had been made and needed to restart.  So I restarted it and it started working.  Weird.

Storage, Drives & Media

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