DVD Writer not shown in windows

Acliff · 12 Sep 2006 at 09:47

Aghh hows this for frustrating?

A computer that I built seems to have the tendancy of not showing the DVD writer half the time. Sometimes I start the computer and its there, and sometimes its not. When it does work, it works perfectly for data, music and dvds. When it doesn't work, nothing I can do will see it in windows.

This computer has a fresh installation of windows XP pro sp1 (i haven't got it connected to the internet yet to update it) Is it a problem that has been fixed with the various security updates, or is it some alternate problem? The DVD Writer used to work in the computer fine, the fact that it doesn't anymore is just frustrating.

Has this happened to you? How do you fix this crippling problem?
Thanks in advance.

deadeyedic30 · 12 Sep 2006 at 09:52

Assuming you have all the appropriate drivers installed, check the power cable isn't loose and check the ata cable to see if the blue end is on the mobo. Assuming there is a blue end to it. My mate had a similair problem with his previous system, in the end i think his dvdrw died. So if you can check it on another pc for a few days just in case do it.

Acliff · 12 Sep 2006 at 15:04

deadeyedic30 said:
Assuming you have all the appropriate drivers installed, check the power cable isn't loose and check the ata cable to see if the blue end is on the mobo. Assuming there is a blue end to it. My mate had a similair problem with his previous system, in the end i think his dvdrw died. So if you can check it on another pc for a few days just in case do it.

All the cables are installed correctly, detected in bios fine. It reads as its supposed to on bootup every time, but half the time doesn't show on windows. I have noticed that the DVD player vibrates more than I'm used to, so it might actually be on the blink.

I'll have my credit card on standby.

Can anyone recommend a cheap but decent dvd writer? (in black)

Chronictank · 12 Sep 2006 at 15:11

Acliff said:
All the cables are installed correctly, detected in bios fine. It reads as its supposed to on bootup every time, but half the time doesn't show on windows. I have noticed that the DVD player vibrates more than I'm used to, so it might actually be on the blink.

I'll have my credit card on standby.

Can anyone recommend a cheap but decent dvd writer? (in black)

assumably the warranty has expired?
what make/model is it?