DVD Drive Recognizing CDs BUT NOT DVDs

Question

I have a Dell Dimension 4600 running Windows XP SP2. I also have a DVD drive (TEAC DVD+RW DV-W58E [CD-ROM drive]) that has started playing up. It recognizes CDs OK but cannot see any DVDs be they games or films. I get no error messages when looking at the DVDs in Windows Explorer just an empty pane where files should be listed!   To date I have tried:     1. Installing the latest firmware,     2. Deleting drivers and letting Windows re-install,     3. System restore to an earlier (happier!) time without success.   Now it could be that I simply need a new drive but I really don't want to get a new one if I have a system / configuration problem.   Any suggestions gratefully accepted, Jeff    PS Problem occurred after my son suffered a BSOD when I wasn't around...could be co-incidence. Last system change was a video card upgrade to an Nvidia 6800 512MB but that was about 2 weeks before this problem...

W1z4rd · Answer

Hi Predator,   I hadn't done that but re-installed PowerDVD...still no change.   Cheers, Jeff

Predator · Answer

Hi W1,Have you tried uninstalling/reinstalling your decoding software, Cineplayer or PowerDVD?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 thedifference. CD/RW Link

Predator · Answer

Hi Jeff,Go ahead and reload the IDE controller. Click on the CD/RW link in my post and scroll to section 20, article 3.Also check your Direct X version as well.You can try Dell`s diagnostic, same CD/RW link, Section 12, article 3, step#2.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 thedifference. CD/RW Link

W1z4rd · Answer

Hi Jeff,   Many thanks for the suggestions...I think we still have a way to go here though! :smileyvery-happy:   First of all I reloaded the IDE Controller. My system found the following new hardware before I rebooted again:     - SAMSUNG CD-ROM SC-148A     - CD-ROM DRIVE     - TEAC DVD+RW DV-W58E     - CD-ROM DRIVE     - IDE Channel     - Secondary IDE Channel   I did run dxdiag and all looked well last week but I'l take another look later after all the updates etc.   Finally ran the hardware diagnostics:     - CD-ROM Audio test (skipped)     - Confidence Test - OK     - Device Self Test - OK     - Read Test         ' The CD inserted in your CD-ROM drive does not contain any digital data. You must insert a CD containing digital data such as a software installation CD if you would like to try again...'     I got this message for both a film DVD and a PC game DVD. The test ran fine with a PC game CD  as well as the subsequent Seek Test   Other info: the hardware diagnostics detected configuration was:     - DVD+RW DV-W58E     - Vendor: TEAC     - Command type: ATAPI     - Device type: IDE DVD+RW / DVD-RW     - Removable media: yes   Kind regards,   Jeff

Predator · Answer

Hi Jeff,It may have something to do with the drivers for the new video card. For now though, lets verify that the drive is running in DMA mode; same CD/RW link, sEction 15, articles 14 & 17.Also you may wish to try another decoder, same CD/RW link, Section 7-5, article 15, try VLC, these are free and work well with XP.Any chance in a blue moon you can take the TEAC drive to another system and test it there?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 thedifference. CD/RW Link

W1z4rd · Answer

Hi Jeff,

I worked through the DMA settings as you suggested and everything looks fine there. Also installed VLC but still no joy.

I've arranged to take my base unit into work tomorrow and those kind folks in the Computer Services department have agreed to take it apart for me! (We have over 1,000 Dell desktops deployed so they agreed they must have a spare chassis somewhere to try the TEAC unit in!) Will let you know how it works out.

Cheers,

Jeff

Message Edited by W1z4rd on 04-10-2007 04:53 PM

Predator · Answer

Hi Jeff,I have access at times with our IT group as well, love to tinker and test. Do let us know the out come.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 thedifference. CD/RW Link

W1z4rd · Answer

Hi Jeff,   Just thought I'd let you know that the IT folks confirmed that my drive is bereft of any DVD capabilities. So despite our efforts, it is beyond saving...   Ordered a new one today (a LiteOn 20X DVD+/-RW/RAM Lightscribe) for some £22 which seems like good value to me. I thought it would be nearer £50 for a replacement.   Still, many thanks for the assistance you gave me. I'm certainly glad we went through it...I would never have found out about the Dell Hardware testing utility.   All the best,   Jeff

Predator · Answer

Hi Jeff,Sorry to hear about it being a bad drive but glad your IT could confirm it though, I hate replacing one and not knowing for sure. Yes, that does indeed sound like a good deal, good luck with the new drive.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 thedifference. CD/RW Link

Storage, Drives & Media

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