On the drive's casing or at the rear right above or below or on one side of the opening where you see the two rows of pins there should be an indication for which position is for setting the drive as master. On many optical drives that would be a small diagram printed on label even.
The letter M or MA refers to master where you need to set the small cap to. On some drives the master will be at the center while others see that at the end of the rows of pins. If set correctly and still seeing the same problem try slaving it on the other cable used for the other ide socket in case that is the problem.
That would likely point to the socket or some othe board problem being seen. If you don't have any ide hard drive and that is on the primary try mastering it on the secondary cable. Two bad drives in a row? not so likely! Two bad cables? possible if they are old ones simply lying around and now hardened up. Bad contacts on the board? always possible.
|