CD/RW DRIVE

Question

I was installing more memory when I realized that it would be easier if I unplugged a few cords.  One of them happened to be my RW DRIVE.  I did not find this problem out untill after a 1 1/2 diagnostic test which didn't seem to do anything.  After installing the memory I plugged all the wires back in.  When I turned the computer back on I got a message saying that the computer was unable to find my 2nd ATA drive.  I assumed that this may have something to do with the new memory so I hit F5 and ran the test.  After the test it repeated the same message.  I then hit F1 to go right to my desktop.  The computer works fine and I can see that the memory was installed correctly but my RW DRIVE is not showing up in MY COMPUTER window.  What can I do to solve this problem?  I have gone back in and check my connections but everything is plugged up the way it should be.

Skybird · Answer

Restart the system and press F2 while the blue Dell is onthe screen to enter the Setup.  Find the channel your driveis connected to and make sure it is enabled or On.

Skybird · Answer

Does the drive appear in the Device Manager?  If yes, right-clickit and select Properties.  Is there an error code?   Is the jumper on the drive still set to the Cable Select position? Message Edited by Skybird on 08-18-2008 10:30 AM

JPcore · Answer

I went into the DRIVE section after accessing setup.  The drive is enabled but the DRIVE ID is UNKNOWN.  So it knows the drive is there but its not communicating with it for some reason.

JPcore · Answer

I did just check my connection and I may have inserted the cable in the wrong connector. I changed the cable location and restarted the system and still have the same problem. I got the message word for word also:

DRIVE 2 NOT FOUND: SERIAL ATA, SATA-2

ALERT! FAILED TO DETECT ONE OR MORE DRIVES DURING POST.

Then it gives the option to press F1, F2, or F5.

JPcore · Answer

Optiplex 755 Two drives installed (dvd rom, and the RW drive that isn't working) The drive is connected to SATA-2

Skybird · Answer

What is the model of your computer? How many drives do you have installed?To what SATA port is the drive connected?

Skybird · Answer

You have 4 SATA ports.  SATA 0 is you hard drive.The two optical drives are SATA 2 and 3?  If so,all SATA ports are on in the Setup except SATA 1. Is that how it is?

JPcore · Answer

SATA-0 is my Hard Drive. SATA-1 is my DVD-ROM dive.  SATA 2 is on but unknown and 3 is off.  I don't know if this may be the issue but I have one cable for both drives.  What I mean is that the cable or wire whatever comes from the motherboard and goes into the Drive that's not working then the second plug goes into the DVD-ROM drive that is working.  That in it self doesn't make any sense.

JPcore · Answer

Is it harmful to switch the cable around while the computer is on?  I'm thinking now that I did place the cable back into the correct port.  On the mother board there are 3 ports to plug into around where the RW dive cable came from.  If your looking at the tower standing up.  Two ports are vertical side by side.  Below them and to the right is a horizontal port.  The thing that makes me think its the horizontal port is that it has SATA written beside it with two arrows pointing to the port.  I currently have the cable in that port.  Is it possible for you to email me a picture of what the actual setup looks like or in from me on where it goes!

Skybird · Answer

There should be two connections to each optical drive.
The SATA 1 port on the motherboard should go directly
to the DVD-ROM drive. The SATA 2 port on the motherboard
should go directly to the the other drive. The power
connectors are shared between the two drives.

The cable that is between the two drives and the motherboard:
are there a total of four connectors? Two connectors on each
end of the cable?

Message Edited by Skybird on 08-19-2008 07:04 AM

JPcore · Answer

The information you sent me is exactly what I needed.  I had it in the wrong port the whole time.  Thanks.  I will make the change now and let you know the results.

Skybird · Answer

Here is the motherboard for the system. The vertical port in the picture is eSATA
(item 10). The ports you want are horizontal in the picture (see item 7). It is
best to power OFF when connecting the cables.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/op755/en/UG/HTML/tower.htm#wp1084416

Skybird · Answer

Great to hear that.  Best regards.

JPcore · Answer

It workded.  Thanks for you help.

Storage, Drives & Media

CD/RW DRIVE

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