cd rom drive won't open

caffiekins · #1 04-08-2005, 10:39 AM

Hi I am using windows 98 and the cd rom won't open. Everytime I put on my pc the light is green as if there is a cd in it, but there is not. Not only that but it will not let me open it. I have tried the following:

1. I looked in the device manager cd rom properties and it says that the device is working.

2. I tried reinstalling the driver. Still no luck.

3. I even put in a brand new cd rom box, but the same thing is happening with it....light on, won't open.

Can anyone help?

MJaeson · #2 04-08-2005, 10:45 AM

Have you tried changing IDE cables and using a different power chord?

pip22 · #3 04-10-2005, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJaeson

Have you tried changing IDE cables and using a different power chord?

Go into the toolshed and bring out a large screwdriver........
No, seriously, have you tried a 'software' eject? Right click on the cd-drive icon in explorer and left-click 'Eject'

Miz · #4 04-10-2005, 12:46 PM

If by "open" you mean the drive's door won't slide out, and if the software eject doesn't work, there is a manual way to open the drive drawer.

In the front of the drive will be a tiny hole. Insert a straightened-out paperclip into that hole and push until the drawer opens.

I have a drive that will never open the first time after the computer is booted. I open it once with the paperclip and it'll work fine...until a restart. Then it's paperclip time again.

If by "open" you mean you can get a CD in the drive but the drive won't, or can't, read it, try several known good purchased CDs (not burned ones). If they don't autorun, open the CD drive through My Computer...or Windows Explorer, whichever you prefer...and see if it will read it that way.

caffiekins · #5 04-12-2005, 04:32 AM

HI,

Well yes I have tried software eject and no luck. And yes the cd drive will not slide out. The light is permanently green as if the drive is occupied, and I tried the paperclip through the hole method and there is still no luck.
It seems to be a problem with the computer itself maybe. I have not tried changing the ide cables, Do you think this would help? and how would I go about this?

Thanks

Miz · #6 04-12-2005, 09:53 AM

Did the CD drive ever work? If not, it might be a problem with the cabling. A green light constantly on often indicates the IDE cable is plugged in backwards. The cable has a stripe on one edge. That stripe, usually red, should be on the side of the cable closest to the power plug. Check the cable and if that's not the case, turn it over.

Also make sure the drive is on the IDE plug at the end of the cable. While you're in there, check the jumpers. If it's the only CD drive, it should be jumpered for either master or cable select, depending on your system. If cable select, it must be on the end plug.

I've never known the paperclip trick to fail. Any chance somebody glued the drawer shut?

On some drives you do have to push rather hard to open the drawer...hard enough that smaller paperclips bend before the drawer opens.

MJaeson · #7 04-12-2005, 12:17 PM

Open it up and replace it. And as the old rule goes, buy a similar one and put it in the same as the old one. Same as the power that goes to the CD Drive. there should be others inside. Ask someone for help. Be careful of static discharge (disconnect from wall and touch the power supply with something metalic then touch that metal thing to something else). It worked for me, give it a try.

Be mindful of your warranty options though. Good luck