BENQ DVD-RW DRIVE Model DW822A

Question

I just purchased this drive from Dell for my Dell 8100. My computer was originally equipped with a DVD-ROM drive (top) and a CD-RW Drive (bottom). I removed the DVD-ROM drive and replaced it with the BENQ. I installed the cable that was sent with the drive. The BENQ is on the end of the cable, and the CD-RW is on the middle. I set the BENQ jumper for MASTER. Now when I boot up, my computer puts me into setup and it won't recognize either drive. When I push ESC, the computer will boot just fine. XThere is power to both drives and the BENQ will play music, but nothing else. What can I do about this? Should both drives be set to cable select? I did not change the setting of the CD-RW drive. I don't really know what it is. Thanks in advance......

Skybird · Answer

Since you are using the new IDE Cable, it may not support Cable Select.
Try setting the BENQ to Master and the CDRW to Slave.

If you use the original IDE Cable supplied by Dell, try setting both
drives to Cable Select.

Do not mix Master/Slave with Cable Select. Go one way or the other
depending on the cable capabilities.

kweigel · Answer

THANKS! I set the BENQ for master and the CD-RW for slave. Same results. Computer would give me the same messages "Secondary Hard Disk Drive 0 not found" and "Secondary Hard Disk Drive 1" not found.

I disconnected the CD-RW completely, and now the BENQ is recognized. I was able to load all the software that came with it, and also it works fine (plays movies, I have not tried to burn any DVD's yet, but I suspect it will be fine.

However, when I boot, I get a message "secondary hard disk 1 not found" even though I have completely disconnected it. I don't understand why I get this message when the CD-RW is completely disconnected.

Now I re-connected the CD-RW and again, neither drive was recognized.

It appears I have a conflict. Does anyone know how I can resolve it or should I just forget about my second CD-RW.

Thanks in advance............

Skybird · Answer

A few things to consider trying:   Enter the BIOS (Setup) and make sure the Secondary IDE channel is enabled and set to Auto.   Reload the IDE Controller here ......... http://www.the-predator.com/dell/win1-0.html#win1-0-3   Dell's Troubleshooting Article here ......... http://www.the-predator.com/dell/sec12-0.html#12-0-1   Dell's Clearing the NVRAM here ........ http://www.the-predator.com/dell/sec11-0.html#11-0-2

elmoster · Answer

I seem to have the same problem. I recently purchased a DVD+-RW drive from NEC. I never installed a CD drive before so I basically did it blind. I took out the interface cables and power plugs. I had a CD-drive and a CD-RW drive before. I replaced the Cd-drive with a DVD-drive and the CD-RW with the new DVD-RW. I believe I put the interface cables in the same order as it was with the old drives. Anyways, I get the error with 'secondary hard disk drive 1 not found'. I have no idea because it seems to be plugged in properly. If anybody could shed some light on if I am doing this improperly, please help.

kweigel · Answer

Hi. I am the original poster to this thread. I kept trying to fix this, to no avail. I called BENQ tech support, and they were supportive, but not helpful. They told me that this happened from time to time, and they did not really know why. They believed that there is some software conflict somewhere, but they did not know how to fix it. I finally gave up and sent the drive back to Dell. I frankly do not believe the entire DVD-+RW technology is quite ready for prime time yet. Besides, it still costs too much and I cannot record TV programs on it yet! It is also difficult to edit movies. I am sticking with tape for now!

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