DVD writer not detecting DVD or CD

[amirian]

I have a Dell Vostro 1200 Laptop and used the dvd writer with no problem. It is now not working with no known reason. Just able to reject the drive in software but not recognizing cd or dvds placed in. The busy light is always on and the spinning never works. This is the same for Windows and Linux OS and couldn't be a software problem. I doubt if the header is damaged because the problem is only with cd/dvd recognition. Any Guidelines? Is it necessary to replace the device?

 

[raybay]

If under warranty, get it replaced.
Otherwise, buy and install a replacement.
Optical (DVD, CD, etc) drives seem to fail at least partly on the number of reads and burns... They simply wear out... and quality varies by brand and model.
The problem may be elsewhere, but if it is the drive, it is simple to replace, and replacement is a better choice that attempting to repair it.
Dell has at least six levels of quality in optical drives. Their lowest cost one seems to fail at a disturbing rate.
What you describe is typical of a optical drive failure. You don't have to buy a replacement from Dell.... Look at the good online supply outfits... Directron.com, Newegg.com, Frys.com, CDW.com, TechDepot.com, and so on.
Usually all you have to do is replace the rails when you get a new one, and that just requires a #0 philips screwdriver.

 

[fastco]

Try this tool first..
If you don't have XP read this.....