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July 30th, 2006 15:00
New Dimension DVD /RW doesn't recognize disk
Hi, I have a new Dimension e510 with Dual DVD drives: the D drive reads data files, music cds and movie DVD's . The E: drive doesn't recognize any disk. It just gives error messages to insert the CD or DVD. I have been on the phone for 1 1/2 hours with hardware tech and he determined that the computer recognizes the 2 drives so it must be a software problem and I will have to pay to get help from them. I have not been able to use the E: drive at all. I have windows XP. Can anyone please help me?
Beverley
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Predator
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15.3K Posts
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July 30th, 2006 16:00
Hi Beverley,
Click on the CD/RW link in my post and run the article in Section 20, article 3. Then verify that both drives are running in DMA mode, "UDMA-2", same CD/W link, Section 15, articles 14 & 17.
Best Regards!
God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway,
the good fortune to run into the ones I do and the eyesight to tell the
difference.
CD/RW Link
Predator
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15.3K Posts
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July 30th, 2006 19:00
Hi Beverley,
We have had some success with the reloading of the IDE channel, so it is one of the steps we like to recommend. Also the drives should be running in Ultra DMA mode 2, your system only has one IDE channel and it should be listed as Primary (Your Hard drive is SATA), please look under that reference.
What we have seen as well, the second drive is turned off in the BIOS and it does not adjust properly, please enter the BIOS and verify that both drives are turned on.
Best Regards
God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway,
the good fortune to run into the ones I do
and the eyesight to tell the difference.
CD/RW Link
Message Edited by Predator on 07-30-200607:28 PM
bgrammy
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July 30th, 2006 19:00
I want to make sure I understand fully. removed the IDE controller according to the printout in section 20 and the re-booted. the next steps are not really clear to me. To verify if both are running in DMA mode? In the secondary IDE channel properties window both transfer modes showed "DMA if available" (Device 1 & Device 2). Current transfer mode showed "not applicable" . My computer recognizes the D and E drives. However the E: drive (RW) always says there is no cd in the drive, no matter what I put in it.
bgrammy
9 Posts
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July 30th, 2006 21:00
Predator
2 Intern
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15.3K Posts
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July 30th, 2006 22:00
Hi Beverley,
Since both drives are showing UDMA mode 2, then they are turned on in the BIOS, so there really is no need to check now.
How comfortable do you feel about opening the case and doing some testing with the drives?
If it was mine, or I was there, I would uninstall both drives from Device Manager, shut the system down. The DVD/RW is more than likely sitting in the Second Bay, I would disconnect the IDE cable from both drives, move the DVD/RW to the Top bay, this should be the E: drive you are having problems with. Re-attach the "end" connection of the IDE cable to this drive and leave the other off for now. Turn the system on and see if the drive works now, if it does not, it needs replacing. Call Dell once more and ask the Tech to look at this thread in their forum, see if there is thing else he/she wishes you to try.
Best Regards
God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway,
the good fortune to run into the ones I do
and the eyesight to tell the difference.
CD/RW Link