problems with my cd drive again...It just got "fixed".

[helpmari]

My CD/DVD drive (optical drive?) is not reading anything i put into it! It
makes the same sounds that it always makes when I insert a new CD, but then nothing happens. It does not ask if I want to open it in Windows media player or any other program. So I tried opening all my programs manually, but still it does not show that anything is in the drive. The D: icon undermy computer is still there, but when I insert a disc it does not read it.

I had this exact same problem a year ago and was just now able to take it to the Geek Squad last week to get it fixed. They preformed an upper and lower level fix on the CD drive. It worked for the first 24 hours, but now...nothing. When it started screwing up it said there was no disc in the drive and to insert the CD...but now it doesnt even do that.

I plan on taking it back to the geek squad, but I need some outside views and opinions on what might be wrong with. I have never trusted the geek squad.

Beware of Geek Squad. They're just salesmen in disguise who only want your
money.

Possibly the CD drive is bad...they do go out. And a replacement is
inexpensive and you can install it yourself.

Yeah! Replacement optical drive is usually a lot less expensive than
a in-house repair job.

At a computer electronics store. Or, for excellent pricing, check out
www.newegg.com

[helpmari]

So how would I go about doing that? where would I find a new optical drive?

thank you. I was actually thinking about buying an external drive. The cheapest one ive seen was 75 bucks. The only thing is that it would suck to have to carry it around with me everywhere.

It is for a laptop actually. I've been looking at newegg though.

I I should have mentioned it was a laptop problem. I'm almost positive its not reading discs because of age. I got it in 06.

There is an alternative way. I bought an enclosure capable to hold hard
drive OR CD drive. The front panel is removable if you want to install the
CD/DVD drive. I suppose it makes sense to look at these ways to go. It's
more universal and flexible way to go. You can install any drive inside and
even replace the CD/DVD drive when it's old/dead. But the DVD drive from
NewEgg.com is a very good choice. I bought my for $10 or $15, can't recall,
it was a good sale plus mail-in-rebate. It reads/write everyting, fast and
reliable. It's installed in my enclosure working via USB. The similar one is
installed in my home server, no problems so far. A few more models that I
bought at Fry's Electronics died in a few months.

firstly, you should simply
check the inside of the
computer and ensure
the cables haven't wobbled
loose.

also, your power supply
may be insufficient or failing.

perhaps, you'll need a
more powerful power
supply instead of the
standard cheap ones
that come preinstalled.

Even Wal Mart has a good selection of DVD-RW drives and a reasonable price.
(Assuming you are not talking about a laptop computer.)
They even come with an instruction sheet of installation.
Any friend with a little mechanical ability should be able to help you remove the old one and
install the new one.

Okay. With a laptop you have to get one designed specifically to fit your brand-model or go with an
external.

Then look for "slim" style external drives.

My CD/DVD drive (optical drive?) is not reading anything i put into it!
It
makes the same sounds that it always makes when I insert a new CD, but
then nothing happens. It does not ask if I want to open it in Windows
media player or any other program. So I tried opening all my programs
manually, but still it does not show that anything is in the drive. The
D: icon undermy computer is still there, but when I insert a disc it
does not read it.

I had this exact same problem a year ago and was just now able to take
it to the Geek Squad last week to get it fixed. They preformed an upper
and lower level fix on the CD drive. It worked for the first 24 hours,
but now...nothing. When it started screwing up it said there was no disc
in the drive and to insert the CD...but now it doesnt even do that.

I plan on taking it back to the geek squad, but I need some outside
views and opinions on what might be wrong with. I have never trusted the
geek squad.