Unrecognized DVD and CD drives

Question

I have a Dell Deminsion E510 and suddenly both of my drives weren't recognizable from either my computer or the device manager. Any ideas? Thanks in advance, Tyler

osprey4 · Answer

That problem can usually be solved by following these instructions.

Tyler54 · Answer

I have already tried that, and it didn't work. Thanks for the help though! Message Edited by Tyler54 on 12-14-200607:45 PM

mombodog · Answer

F2 at boot and go into the bios, are they recognized there?

Predator · Answer

Darn did it again, sorry Mombodog, I must be slow tonight..usually it is just me or John around.

Hi Tyler,

John is currently off-line so I will drop a note until his return. The drives may be turned off in the BIOS or you may need to Clear the NVRAM.
Click on the CD/RW link in my post and scroll to Section 11, article 2.
Also consider reloading the IDE controler, same CD/RW link, Section 20, article 3.

Merry Christmas !

CD/RW Link

Message Edited by Predator on 12-14-200610:03 PM

Tyler54 · Answer

I don't believe the drives are recognized in the BIOS. How do I get them to be recognized?

Predator · Answer

Hi Tylor,Here is the Dell manual for your:5150 seriesfor entering the System Set (BIOS)Merry Christmas ! CD/RW Link

Tyler54 · Answer

I have no trouble accessing the BIOS, but I don't know how to recognize the drives that are missing.

Predator · Answer

Tyler,

On the System Setup Screen you should see the Drives in the left column; select this option. Once there, scroll to Drive 0 through 3 and verfiy that they are enabled. Dell says the default is ON but that is not always the case.

Merry Christmas,

Jeff

Tyler54 · Answer

My DVD drive is recognized in the bios, but when I enable the CD drive it says it is not recognizable or something to that effect. Also, neither drive is recognizable from the device manager.

Predator · Answer

Hi Tyler,It is possible one of the drives is bad, thus causing issues with both because they are on the same IDE cable.You should test each drive as the only device on the IDE cable.If you are game, shut the system down. Open the case and disconnect the IDE cable from both drives, leave then off and turn the system back on; let Windows load normally; shut down once more.Dell uses the Cable Select jumper setting not Master/Slave, so if you have not changed anything, you will not need to adjust these jumpers to test the drive, you will however need to use the 'End' connection of the IDE cable for each drive test.Pick a drive and attach the 'End', leave the other off and turn the system on. Does this drive work? If it shows up in Device Manager, uninstall the drive, shutdown and test the second drive using the 'End' connection. Let us know the results.Merry Christmas ! CD/RW Link

Storage, Drives & Media

Unrecognized DVD and CD drives

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