Are both CD drives bad?

Question

I have an HP computer, about 3 yrs old. It has 2 CD drives (one recordable). Suddenly they didn't work. I checked Device Manager, they are both listed, but both say it can't load the drivers. I have deleted and reinstalled the drives with the same result. I subscribed to a service that keeps drivers up to date. It says the drivers are fine for both drives. Are both drives bad or is it really a problem with the drivers?

Answer 1

1) You might need to open the case and look at the power leads leading to the CDdrives. Maybe they are both fed via a splitter from one lead from your power supply. Jiggle the leads, remove and reseat the connectors to the drives and any joins on the way to where the wires enter the power supply. Do all this GENTLY and don't get the sockets round the wrong way when you rejoin them.
OOPS just remembered you can tell easily if the drives have power they should both flash their lights a time or two during bootup.
If they have no power after 1) above try a different power connector from you power supply, if you have a spare one not plugged into anything, or remove one from a non vital item (NOT the main hard disk) try it in one of the drives.
2) Don't dismantle the drives that's not your problem
3) Enter the BIOS/SETUP prog that's accessable when you turn on the 'puter and go to the section says somn like "auto detect hard/IDE drives and see if it detects your drives.
4) CD drives don't need drivers !
Manufacturer updates for hardware drivers are virtually always available free on the 'net. The service you are 'subscribing' to is ripping you off if you are paying for it.

Hope those help

Answer 2

For both drive to go at the SAM time sounds like a motherboard problem sense you already done the driver thing. only other option first take the side cover off and make shore the CD ribbons are in the mother bord titer just take your thumb and press against the back of the ribbon making shore there in good and titer. If that don't work it time to then take to shop

Answer 3

Have you tried unplugging them from the motherboard and moved them to different IDE slots? Make room for a temporary test if you have to (you only need 1 hard drive to boot up), and be sure to try different CDs.

If you have both drives on the same cable, try a different cable.

If you're still having problems I'd consider getting a new motherboard and checking to make sure all your fans work, that there are no foreign magnets near your computer, and that your microwave isn't sitting on your desk.

Answer 4

How to troubleshoot CD-ROM drive problems in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314096
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Answer 5

I hope you bought the extended warranty if not they aren't that expensive. However you can try opening up the opitcal drive itself (be careful) and clean the lens and the components. Have I mentioned to be careful.