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17113
August 26th, 2014 10:00
problem with cd/dvd drive
Inspiron 519 running Vista 64-bit with Media Player v.11.0.6002.18311. When dvd tray is opened from the button on the front of the case, tray opens and immediately closes without stopping, preventing disc from being inserted. This happens about 75% of the time. Tray seems to operate correctly when commanded from the dropdown menu on the Media Player screen. Any wisdom on this out there?
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slow-poke
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October 30th, 2014 08:00
The update on this issue...
I reinstalled the driver from the disc that came with the computer, on the "Columbus" theory. (I took a chance, just like he did, hoping for the best.) So far, this seems to have resolved the issue, but if I again have trouble, then I will replace the drive as suggested.
This has been a learning experience for me. This problem arose at about the same time the cursor on the screen began having behavioral issues, both problems gradually escalating. As a non-tech user, my first move was to ask the "tech" guy at Staples, who was arrogantly interrupting and assured me that my computer had a virus, which he could exorcise with a several-hundred-dollar program and follow-up procedure, more than I paid for the computer in the first place. (Lucky for me, there's him!) Turns out, his advice was worth just what I paid for it (0.00) and he was more of a high-pressure salesman than a tech expert.
I diagnosed the cursor issue by trying another mouse, which solved that problem. Looks like, for now at least, I'm good to go. Thanks to everyone for the suggestions!
osprey4
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34.2K Posts
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August 26th, 2014 17:00
Hi Slow-Poke,
Try this. Boot to the BIOS (F2). While in the BIOS, try pushing the eject button. Tell me if the tray remains open or closes.
slow-poke
9 Posts
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August 27th, 2014 10:00
Thanks for your response. With the BIOS screen displayed (from the normal bootup screen) the tray worked properly once and did the non-stop in-and-out act once.
Just as a recap, the tray works correctly every time if commanded from the dropdown menu on the Media Player screen. As a non-tech user, I don't know what conclusion to draw here.
slow-poke
9 Posts
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October 1st, 2014 14:00
Still having difficulty with this. Just now tried your suggestion yet again, and regardless whether I command the tray to open while in BIOS, or normal bootup using the button or Media Player command, the tray acts up at least half the time. Previously, using the Media Player command was more successful, but at this point, it seems not to matter which method I use. Can you help?
osprey4
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34.2K Posts
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October 4th, 2014 08:00
I think you should simply replace the drive. It sounds like a physical problem with the tray. A new drive is very inexpensive and easy to install.
slow-poke
9 Posts
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October 5th, 2014 08:00
Thanks for your help.
slow-poke
9 Posts
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October 29th, 2014 09:00
I'm back to tackling this issue, ( last couple of weeks, no time). Your attention much appreciated, but before I replace the tray, it occurs to me that maybe I could reinstall the driver, in case that is the issue. If it is, a new tray wouldn't cure the problem. I have the drivers and utilities disc that came with the computer, and about 3½ years ago I did a reinstall for a different problem. But I have forgotten how to do it without losing other data on the C disc. Can you walk me thru the reinstall, or cite where to find the steps needed? Many thanks!
the_sharpest_kn
34 Posts
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October 29th, 2014 15:00
The driver for the optical drive is installed automatically when the operating system detects it for the first time.
It is very unlikely the driver. Most often this is a result of something sticky being inside of the drive face or on the tray rails. Less common would be the motor that opens the tray is encountering what it interprets as a stop and assumes you want to close the drive.
If you want to re-install windows without losing data then make sure you do not format while installing.
If you would like a replacement drive. Here is a link to a reliable seller.