CD Drive not seeing discs

Question

Hi,

I have a Dell Inspiron 1100 with a Samsung DVD/CD-RW drive. The model number is SN-324F. A while ago I had to re-format and when I got everything installed again my CD-ROM drive did'nt work. I have tried everything from updating firmware to downloading system software. When I insert a disc it makes some noise like it is accessing a disc and then nothing. It does not read DVDs, burned CDs, or any other CD I have, not even the CDs that came with my laptop. If anyone knows what is going on I would love if you can help.

Thanks

Jeff1985 · Answer

Actually...I want to update this. It can read DVDs but nothing else...if you can help please do.

DoubleScotch · Answer

We're talking SAMSUNG CDRW/DVD-Combo SN324F. (my pc is Inspiron- 510m) Encountered exactly same problem. I downloaded a firmware 'update' from Samsung and installed it. At the end of the update -proces a restart was requested, which I did. Now I have a FAR BIGGER problem: at start-up the DELL-bootscreen-timebar stops, then a message (from BIOS I suppose) appears that                        'The device in the system modular bay cannot be identified.                        It may not be completely inserted or may have some other problem.                        Please read and complete the following steps in order:                                               1) Press the device completely and firmly into the bay.                        2) Press the ESC key -- wait for the system to power down.                        3) Press the power button to retry detecting the device.'   Doing this brought me back to the stopped timebar and the above message. So the circle is completed into a perpetual start-up without going into Windows !.   (XP-Pro) Removing the CD-drive from its bay improved the situation somewhat: Windows starts up and all things are well . However, now I have a laptop without a drive!. And all this happened after the firmware 'update', which evidently only harmed the system totally. Think the firmware version was wrong. Question is: without the drive installed how to go back to the previous firmware state.? Anyone any ideas?

Acrufox · Answer

Sadly the only way to, is to unplug the drive and after booting, quickly reconnect the drive and attempt to reflash. I had a similar problem with an inspiron 3800 refusing to boot recognized, I had to remove the drive and fit it into an A20m IBM laptop I had sitting around, and reflash the dell firmware back onto the drive. Needless to say, when all said and done, it would have been easier to find an el cheapo replacement on ebay :(

DoubleScotch · Answer

Quick follow-up that I forgot:

The new installed Samsung CDRW/DVD- 324F drive recognizes and reads ALL sorts of CD's and DVD's back and forth: Data-CD/CDR/CDRW, AudioCD,VideoCD, Data-DVD,Movie-DVD.

Conclusion: the author of the first message could fix his problem preferably by following Acrufox' suggestion about eBay or tempt Dell-Support in the US to send a new unit. Even if the guarantee-period is surpassed it would be fair for Dell to do that because of the great number of complaints about this drive on this forum. Good Luck !

DoubleScotch · Answer

Thanks Acrufox.

I already figured out that something like your proposed solution would be necessary: fit the unit into another computer and re-flash the original firm-ware. I think that your first idea to "quickly reconnect the drive after booting" is not recommandable (I suppose). The drive connects directly to the IDE bus-connector and is not a 'plug-and-play' item. I have been tought to always disconnect power when installing/connecting IDE-hardware to prevent main-board damage.

However, I was very lucky: calling DELL-Support Amsterdam on Monday, they agreed to replace the drive on Tuesday. They kept their promise and my Inspiron-510m i recognized the new unit immediately. I commended the supportdesk on wednesday for their very quick help.

Storage, Drives & Media

CD Drive not seeing discs

Was this post helpful?