Hi Bella,

The Dell Tech had you flash the drive with the latest firmware update, GD30.
Lets see if this will help, click on the CD/RW link in my post and scroll to Section 15, article 1; Section 20, article 3;
Next verify that the drive still has DMA enabled, same CD/RW link, Section 15, articles 15 & 17.
Also you may have to try flashing the drive twice, I know this has helped some Members in the past with other drives.


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

HELLO!
Thanks for your advice.
I had a few questions after spending time with your recommendations...


Section 15, article 1;
--> It seems your instructions are to "uninstall" the DVD driver, and then let Windows automatically detect its absence, and then it should reinstall again? Don't I need to put the drivers disc in that came with my computer? (I'm double checking with you on this before I go ahead). I don't know how my computer will know what to install.

Section 20, article 3;
--> It seems you recommend to uninstall the "Primary IDE Channel" I see in my device manager (I do not have a secondary one). Really? What happens if I uninstall that? What does that do? And how will my computer be able to reinstall?


Next verify that the drive still has DMA enabled
-> Yes, it does. I saw you recommended this to other people as well.


Also you may have to try flashing the drive twice, I know this has helped some Members in the past with other drives.
-->OK, I will try it. Does having my computer off for a few minutes have anything helpful to it?

THANKS!!!

I should add that when I look for the drive in my Device Manager there is no exclamation mark.
It says the drive is working properly.
Clearly it isn't, because it still can't even open without the paperclip.

Thanks

One more question:

Are you suggesting I do BOTH of these things, or just one at a time?

Hi Bella,

One at a time, if the first one solves the problem great, if not move to the next steps.

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

Well, here's the update:

I did the step to re-detect the devices.
Uninstalled, then the computer refound them.
But problem not resolved.

Then I did the next one; re-loaded the IDE controller.
Uninstalled, then the computer refound them.
But the problem not resolved.

Computer still cannot burn discs, and still cannot even open the drive without the paperclip.

*sigh*
any other tips?

Dell replaced a spotty dvd drive for me recently without a hassle. Overnight.  I hope you're under warranty.  If Predator's suggestions don't work go for the replacement. Sounds like you're tried everything else.  Good luck.

Hi Bella,

You mentioned clearing event log in your first post, usually the Tech should have Cleared the NVRAM (CMOS), anyway about the only thing left is opening the case and re-seating the IDE cable going from the motherboard to drive.
At this point as Europa suggested, if under warranty please contact Dell again, be firm but polite, mention running through the steps we suggested on the forum. You can even reference this thread, chances are good Dell will replace the drive.
Keep in touch.

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

Yes, I've contacted DELL and since I am still under warranty they are sending a technician out here to replace the drive at no cost.

Thank you all for your help.

I am experiencing the same symptoms after having updated the firmware as suggested by Dell.  I'll try the same suggestions and see if I am an exception to having to replace the drive.

I just wanted to let you know the outcome of this in case someone else ever has the same situation.

I contacted DELL and they said since I am still under warranty they would replace the drive. Someone called me within 24 hours, and then another 24 hours later they came over, popped the drive out, and put a new one in. Free of charge.

Boom, problem solved.

Moral: Always get warranty.