Another CD drive problem here

Piggiston · #1 December 1st, 2001, 09:48 PM

I have a CD-RW drive and a DVD-ROM drive, and quite often neither is recognized by my computer. If I try to use one of them (like when I play a game) whatever I am running from the drive will usually crash in some way or another. After that neither drive will be accessible, and when I restart the computer neither is detected. Usually, though, after the computer has been off for a while, the drives will be detected again, but I'll soon encounter the problems I described above. Sometimes also the drives will be recognized but they will not recognize any CD, and as before after restarting the computer they will not be detected. I'm running Windows ME, if that makes any difference.

Junky · #2 December 1st, 2001, 11:03 PM

Hi there,

Well, it may be hardware, but It's most likely Win Me. I don't know what else it could be. Hardware doesn't act the way you discribe, but software does. I think I'll move this over to the Win Me forum, that way you'll have a better chance for some input.

Dodge · #3 December 2nd, 2001, 06:52 AM

How old is this system?
Have you ever cleaned the system out? What I mean is have you ever cleaned the dust from the system....

It sounds to me like your computer is overheating. That is why it will work correctly once it has set for awhile. If it doesn't have a warrenty on the system then Take the cover off and take a look at the fans. Make sure the are spinning and are free of Dust and dirt.... If not then you need to get a can of compressed air and blow the dust out of it. You can get that at any Computer shop, wal-mart, kmart etc. for about $5.00....

Over heating can cause the symtoms you are describing....

Piggiston · #4 December 2nd, 2001, 09:11 PM

The system is new- I got it this summer. I've never cleaned it out, but when I have looked inside there it does seem awfully warm. I'll have a look and see if I need to clean some dust out or something. I have the computer up against a wall on one side and essentially on the back too (leaving only enough space for the various things that are plugged into it). Might this prevent the whole thing from cooling well in general? Would it do better in a more open place?

maxximilian · #5 December 2nd, 2001, 09:43 PM

I like to have at least six inches (or more) of empty space around my computers on all sides. If you are up against the wall and there are vents on the side, then you may very well be over-heating.