I am having the same problem.  Any results yet?  I thought it might be the cable, but it recognizes 2 floppy disks instead of a 1 floppy disk drive and 1 cdrom. 

 I have been looking for a replacement cdrom but cannot find one.  part number is 3139T for the dell latitude 24x variable cd-rom module.  If anyone has this or knows where I can find it, please let me know.

To All,

Thank you for using the Dell Community Forum.
The Latitude CS has two separate cables.
One for the floppy drive attached to the parallel port.
One for all other devices, CDROM, LS120, attached to the media bay port.
The floppy drive cable will not work with other devices like your CDROM, or LS120 drive.
To read about the external media bay, go here.<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

You need to purchase the saparate cable for the CDROM drive.
You should be able to purchase it from Dell Spare Parts.

Your floppy drive will work with either the Parallel Port cable, or the Media Bay Port cable.
But, your other devices like your CDROM or LS120 drives, will only work with the Media Bay Port cable.

Dell Spare Parts Phone# 800-372-3355 Ext:6-9937
Part#.........Description:
9814U.........Module Cable Kit. (Connects the Sleeve to the system "external media bay")
R2487.........Floppy Drive Cable Assembly w/Techsheet (Parallel port floppy cable)

Karell,

I appreciate the response, but it didn't answer the question.  I don't have a cableing problem.  The problem is the drive.  I cannot find a replacement.  The number on the CD-Rom for the Latitude CS is 3139T.  If you know where I can order one, let me know.  Thanks.

Cyberlo

Any CS, LS, or CP series, and many of the Inspiron Models  used compatible CDROMS. Be sure you get at least a 24x. There are usually a bunch of these on Ebay for around $30. My church has a CS and it is using a 24x CDROM that I previously used in a CPi and also in a CPtV; it works fine on the External Media Bay cable, but as Dell- Karell pointed out, it will not even spin up on the Parallel Port Cable.

Cyberlo,

As "Leduke" pointed out, you can find the drives by simply searching on google.com for "Latitude CS CDROM".
Or, you can use a drive from a different system model as long as they are compatible.
Generally, all C-series systems will have compatible drives.
Also, if you wish to purchase a drive from Dell Spare Parts, the info is below.

Dell Spare Parts Phone# 800-372-3355 Ext:6-9937
Note: Most parts purchased through Dell Spare Parts do not include software.
You may need to purchase the software, such as Roxio Easy CD Creator, or WinDVD separately.
Part#.........Description:
3139T.........24X CD-ROM
462DU.........4-4-24X CDRW SFX,KME
7C287.........8-4-24X CDRW

DVD Drives and components:
2878P.........4X DVD drive TSHBA.
45816 ........Margi Decoder card for dvd drive. (Just the card)
55UPU.........Margi card and driver kit for dvd drive. (Card and software)
6E039.........8X DVD drive.

Karell,

Many thanks to you and "Leduke".  I usually use search engine www.dogpile.com, but will try google.  Thanks again

Karell,

Thanks for all the past info.  I need some additional info from you if you don't mind.  I bought a new CD Rom for my Latitude CS.  It did not solve the problem.  Still getting 2 floppy disk drives instead of a floppy and a CD.  I upgraded the system to Windows XP Pro.  I don't know if that has anything to do with it, but, I think the problem is that the driver for the CD may have been lost since it doesn't recognize it when added.  If you have the driver or have another solution to this, I would greatly appreciate it if you let me know the answer! Thanks

Cyberlo

If you try to use the CDROM on the Parallel Port Cable, it will be perceived as a Floppy and actually spin up, but it will not read a CD. You must have the Special Media Bay Cable that connects to that strange-looking port on the right side of the CS Laptop; that is the substitute for the Internal Media Bay on four models that Dell made without one built-in. The P/Ns are either 10NRN or  103PE. You will not get a CD Drive to work without one. You were told this at least once before and you need to pay attention.

No nastiness was intended; just making sure you understand. This is a common occurence with that External Media Bay cable being missing from Resold Laptops, and is the cause of much frustration on the part of buyers. The CS, LS, L400 and C400 all used this type of cable and I have given this same advice at least a dozen times. It is also shown in the "Floated" messages from Dell's Forum monitors at the top of the page. The fact that the CDROM spins up and appears to be working(but is not) when hooked to the Parallel Port Cable is a further confusion factor.

Thanks again leduke.  Got the part on order