Computer doesn't detect CD drive

[Blackjack]

Hey all,

When booting my computer, i seem to get stuck at "Detecting IDE Drives". It completes the cycle every once in a while, maybe once every 3-5 restarts. As well, my computer CANNOT boot off of my CD drive, only my disk drive. When I do boot from my HDD, my computer doesn't detect my CD Drive. Additionally, the drive doesn't even open nor does it have a light - although on occassion, it will work fine; it will open and light up as usual.

Can anybody explain how to fix this in lamens terms?

Thanks in advance!

 

[mailpup]

There are a few things you can try as in this guide: https://www.techspot.com/vb/topic137666.html

However, because of the multiple problems you describe, in the end I think you will have to replace the drive with a new one.

 

[AlbertLionheart]

It might also be a failing power supply.

 

[raybay]

If the optical drive was used a great deal before, or if it is a year or more old, replace it... $20 to $25 at Directron.com and others... for LG, Pioneer, LiteOn, Samsung... not worth the time trying to diagnose.

 

[ruready2]

The fact that it sometimes works and sometimes doesn't indicate to me the issue could be caused by faulty cables. Unplug each and re-plug. May not be the cause but, worth a try.

 

[raybay]

Faulty only some of the time... on cables?

From history, it is more likely the commonly reported worn out optical drive.

Please test each way, so we get a handle on this... We See huge numbers of faulty optical drives if over a year old, and faulty cable only when brand new or when more than five years old.

 

[ruready2]

Faulty only some of the time... on cables?

Yes faulty only some of the time. I have seen situations where the fans will move the cables back and forth when engaged eventually causing a short in the cable. Shorts are well known to make contact at times and to not make contact at other times. This very well may not be the issue for the OP. However, in my experience it is more likely the cable since it sometimes recognizes the drive and sometimes doesn't.

 

[raybay]

Can't wait for the real solution

 

[ruready2]

I am not saying this is without a doubt the cause. I am simply saying what I have seen with my own two eyes, To further expand, I have seen situations where unplugging the IDE or SATA cable then reinserting them has resolved this issue as well. Imagine that...lol. If you work with computers long enough you will learn 1) expect the unexpected; 2) repairs are not always typical. II too hope the OP is able to resolve this issue.. Not to prove me right or wrong but, for the OP's benefit. .

 

[AlbertLionheart]

Not all of us have workshops full of kit we can use to diagnose faults by swapping bits around - work with what you have to hand and take the sensible advice to stop wasting time on it and get yourself a new one.

 

[ruready2]

"Not all of us have workshops full of kit we can use to diagnose faults by swapping bits around - work with what you have to hand and take the sensible advice to stop wasting time on it and get yourself a new one."

Unplugging then replugging or wiggling the cables doesn't require a workshop. And the sensible approach is to determine and/or eliminate a $5 cable prior to spending $30. Not everyone has $30 to run out and buy a new drive only to find out it's not even the cause. Perhaps it is the drive but, it's worth 15 minutes of time to check the cables just to be sure.

 

[princealway]

I would like to suggest that shutdown the computer .Take the cd drive out,put it back in,go to bios auto detect the drive it should show up,restart. I think this will work .

 

[LookinAround]

Faulty only some of the time... on cables?

From history, it is more likely the commonly reported worn out optical drive.

Please test each way, so we get a handle on this... We See huge numbers of faulty optical drives if over a year old, and faulty cable only when brand new or when more than five years old.

@Raybay
Huh?????
It's somehow a stretch to believe a bad cable can cause an intermittent problem???

Though, once again, i suppose an approach of simply replacing everything more than a year old is a pretty simple "sledgehammer" approach to troubleshooting for a repair shop owner like yourself... (you mean you really don't think someone should at least bother to check cables before spending $$ to replace an optical drive? )

/* edit */

... and faulty cable only when brand new or when more than five years old.

Oh!
Now that's another "creative" raybay statistic LOL :haha:

 

[AlbertLionheart]

I'll lay good money that a replacement drive will sort it!
And you can get replacements really cheap from people like Ebuyer

 

[raybay]

I am betting on the replacement hard drive, as well.

Wire or socket problems would have shown up differently and more obviously.

 

[AlbertLionheart]

On the subject of intermittent problems, these are usually caused by thermal changes in the components in the box, and ribbon cables are often pulled about and twisted around to make nice 'n tidy innards. This puts unnecessary stress on components such as the cables themselves and the connections at each end.
I have repaired machines with a straightforward cable replacement - on the last one the failed one also failed in another machine just to check and whatever it was that was kaput was completely invisible to the human eye.
And SATA cables are worse than ribbon cables in my book - never use them unless they have the securing clips.