DVD/CDRW drive not reading

Question

My DVD/CDRW drive does not read any sort of cd or DVD.. It just makes this clicking sound and then this whirring high-pitched one, like it is trying to read it, and then it repeats over and over. Is this the sign of a worn-out drive?   I have an Inspiron 1150, and have had it for about only 6 months, could the drive already be worn out?

bacillus · Answer

if you are still within dell warranty suggest you contact them asap and try for a replacement drive.

Music4ever · Answer

My warranty is expired, and I am currently a student, so I can get a new one right now.. but I ran a laser lens cleaner on it and now it is working again..

afromex · Answer

I think I may be in the same boat with my Dell Inspirion 5100.  I cannot burn any CD-Rs (can't read a blank CD-R) or view some CD-ROMs but I know they work because I can view them on my Dell Dimensions 4600.  But I can view DVD and audio CDs with no problem.  Its out of warranty as well.  Did the laser lens cleaner clear your problem for you?  I may have to look into it because its frustrating not being able to view CD-ROMs while I'm on the road.

bobyjo · Answer

I would suggest going to www.zipzoomfly.com and looking at DVD drives, then select the DVDrw drives then the slim DVDrw drives. I believe there are seven listed there. You may select any one of these drives. I believe the NEC 3550A is one of the fastest burners out at this time. I selected the Pioneer DL DVR-K16, it was priced at $87.99 delivered in two days. The drive looks great and works great in our Inspiron 2650. We have burned several DVD disks, and CD disks. Never a problem of any kind. Just be sure any burner you select has 'burnproof' technology. This insures you that you will not burn any coasters with that drive. Message Edited by bobyjo on 02-14-2006 09:42 AM

lmroces · Answer

Do you think the Pioneer drive will work in an Inspiron 2500?  Is this a fixed drive? Thank you!

bobyjo · Answer

I do not know what a fixed drive is?  I removed a CD-rom drive and replaced it with a DL DVR-K16 Burner drive. The only thing I had to do was remove the screw holdown tab from the CD-Rom drive. Install the hold down screw tab to the DL DVR-K16 Burner drive, then slide the burner into the same slot the CD-rom came out of. Screw the hold down screw down fairly tight and boot up, install the burning software. Everything works great. I think the CD-rom drive for the 2500 is the same as for the 2650. If you are apprehensive over this, you always have the priveledge of returning the DVR-K16 and exchangeing for a different drive if necessary. You must do this within the 30day window from the ship date of the first drive.

lmroces · Answer

Thanks!

Music4ever · Answer

My cd drive is fixed!!!  I ran this laser claening cd on it (It got these micro bristles on it that clean the laser off) and now it works fine again, and it also cleaned my other cd player wonderfully!!

afromex · Answer

I tried a CD/DVD cleaner and it didn't work. I reinstalled Roxio and I can get to the part where I can burn the CD but it spits it out. It at least recognizes the CD. But when I try other CD-ROMs, like one of my daughters games, it doesn't read it. When I look in my computer, the icon for the DVD/DD/RW doesn't even change to say what is in that drive. if I click on it, it comes up blank.

Help! Is there a driver out there to fix this?

bobyjo · Answer

Are you tring a new blank CDr disk?  When you place a new blank CDr disk in the drive, the software should bring up a window asking what you want to do, and gives choices.

afromex · Answer

Yes I am and it doesn't see it.  but if I put in a CD-ROM that I know works, most fo the time it doesn't recognize it.

bobyjo · Answer

Do you have a optical drive cleaneing kit? Try cleaning the optical lense and see if that helps. If that does not help, replace the drive with a new drive.

afromex · Answer

Is the same as a CD/DVD cleaning kit?  If so, yes and it didn't work.  Do you know if there is a driver/firmware issue?  Or does Dell just have bad CD-RW/DVD drives for laptops?

blueberrylover · Answer

Hello, I don't know whether I enter the correct discussion. But I seriously need some help from experts over here.

My CD drive have some problems and just a few minutes ago, it can actually detect my CD but soon after that, it just can't work. I tried using the CD drive disk cleaner but still can't work. Can any kind souls assist me in this? I did tried to email Dell but always no reply. Pretty disappointed with their services.

Message Edited by blueberrylover on 04-16-200612:04 PM

bobyjo · Answer

If you have performed all the proceedures and still will not work. I would suggest purchasing a new DVD-RW Burner. They are not that much more expensive than a CD-RW Burner and they will do DVD's and CD's as well. Even burn faster than the CD burners. I purchased a Pioneer DVD RW DL Burner for my Dell and it cost about $75.00. It took about 30min to install then the software install worked super.

Storage, Drives & Media

DVD/CDRW drive not reading

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