has my cd writer packed in?

Question

when i click on my computer i have lost my cd/dvd rewriter icon.has my disc drive packed up?

Answer 1

It may have, but try this before buying a new one.

Go to device manager (WinXP - right click on "my computer", click "manage", click "device manager"). Click on the DVD/CD-ROM and you should see your drive. If you do, try a right click and "unistall" then restart your computer.

If you don't see it that means that your computer doesn't even see it. Turn off and unplug your power cable. Open the case and check that the ribbon is firmly seated on the back of the drive and also connected firmly at the other end to the motherboard. If you want to get really adventurous, try a different ribbon cable if you have a friend that can loan one.

You didn't say if the tray in/out was working, if not, try removing and reseating the 4-wire power connector.

If all fails, I would say it is dead and its time for a new one.