DVD-ROM not reading media

Well, all of sudden my DVD-ROM on one of my puters decided to stop reading discs. The type of media does not matter. I have tried to run CDs, CDROMs, DVDs, DVDROMs etc., and I get the same message every time, "The disc in the drive is not formatted, would you like to format it now". The device manager reports that the drive is functioning properly. I have tried the following so far ...

1. Virus scan .. all clean
2. Uninstalled and reinstalled the driver .. nothing
3. Reset the BIOS to defaults .. nothing
4. Tried to use a lens cleaner, but it even says this disc isn't formatted

Any of you hardware gurus have any ideas?

::Edit:: This is a laptop btw

Sounds like the drive is malfunctioning. Have you tried the 3 ft drop test yet?

have you checked for an updated driver from the manufacturer?
The laser could be blown, that means you need a new drive.
it could also be the software you are using to access the drive.
are you exploring it through windows, or are you using nero, roxio, eac, etc. If so your drive config could be off.
have you installed anything new recently? it could have reconfiged the drive.

>>Sounds like the drive is malfunctioning. Have you tried the 3 ft drop test yet?

I live in a skyscraper and I'm about to perform a drop test alright.

>>have you checked for an updated driver from the manufacturer?

The device does not use a specific driver, it is supported natively.

>>The laser could be blown, that means you need a new drive.

I hope not.

>>it could also be the software you are using to access the drive.
are you exploring it through windows, or are you using nero, roxio, eac, etc. If so your drive config could be off.

Just Windows.. my computer, device manager etc.

>>have you installed anything new recently? it could have reconfiged the drive.

I haven't installed anything that I can think of recently on this machine. The drive was working fine and then the next time I booted up it wasn't.

I have now updated the BIOS version. When I rebooted after doing so, it actually played an audio CD with no problems. I even switched tracks several times. I got all excited for a minute like the problem was fixed, and then I poped in a CDROM and I got the same error. I went back to the audio CD and got the same error again :rolleyes:

I have the feeling I will be mailing this computer off for service in the near future.

How old is the dvdrom?

Did you use it out side of the regular specs?

Did you ever use a rom saver program?
(read ahead, laser cool down)

Did you check the cables?

Sounds to me like a bad drive. Is it still under warranty?

>>sounds to me like a bad drive

sounds like a dell ;)

>>How old is the dvdrom?

The computer is around 2 years old.

>>Did you use it out side of the regular specs?

No, I just watch movies on it, mainly when I travel for work. The only other use would be to install software.

>> Did you ever use a rom saver program?
(read ahead, laser cool down)

No

>>Did you check the cables?

No, this is a laptop and it's a fixed drive and that would surely null and void any warranty.

>>Sounds to me like a bad drive. Is it still under warranty?

Yes, 3 year warranty so it should be covered for about another year. I am pretty convinced it is indeed a hardware malfunction.

>>sounds like a dell

Try again :) It's a Compaq laptop with a Toshiba built drive and this is the first major problem I have ever had with it.

Quote:

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Compaq

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<runs for the hills screaming>

I still have scars on my hands from working on the old compaq desktops.

When I bought it, 2 years ago as I have mentioned, it was rated very highly by all the consumer reports magazines and benchmark tests. I always do my homework.

It really is a great laptop. Now if they wouldn't have put a Toshiba drive it, we wouldn't be having this conversation ;)

In most cases, I hold the exact opposite opinion of Compaq that I do of Dell.

Dell = Great desktops, not so great laptops
Compaq = Great laptops, not so great desktops

To each his own I guess

- Thanks for all the replies gang, Compaq will have the box here tomorrow and I will have the laptop back three days later.

I would check the connections on the pc before calling it a total loss.

The laptop itself is going to look like a stackable block puzzle.

Last time I cracked into my pre-manufactured laptop I noticed the system is unsealed.

Just take pics of the parts and label them as you take them off for easy reassembly.