Fried drive?

A

aquajake91

New Member
I have a problem with my LightScribe DVD-ROM drive. It reads and writes fine, but it has problems with the tray not opening. It is usually fine if there is a disc in the drive, but if there's not it takes a while to open. I have to push the button repeatedly for a couple minutes until it opens. I was just wondering if there was anything I could do to fix it before tossing it. Thanks!
 
Well, the problem you're describing is a bit odd. From the limited info, it seems as though the Drive itself is fine, since it does open/close. At this point, I'd bank on a software issue of some sort (something trying to access the Drive and super-ceeding the button?). Do you have another computer you can hook the drive up to and see if the problem persists?
 
Yeah, I have an older PC that I will hook it up to and see if it works. I doubt it is software though, I can hear it "clunking" like it is trying to open and then jamming. I will hook it up to the other PC though and let you know what happens.
 
You could try and fix it, but why? It's probably the motor. (that should be obvious, though, as the reason it opens when a disk is in the drive is because it's the same motor for both the spindle and the tray mechanism.. If it's already spinning, it will pop out fine. If it's not, it's taking a few attempts to get it spinning because the motor has either got a flat spot on the armature, worn bushings, etc). You've already wasted enough time on it thanks to misdirection.. Just recycle it and buy a new one for $20. ;)
 
Last edited:
I say it has something to do with the gears on the inside. It is easier to buy a new one than get it fixed. I would keep the drive maybe for another computer but otherwise just buy a new one.
 
Yeah, I already got a new one from Newegg and it's working a lot better. I think I will just save it and mess with it and see if I can come up with anything. Thanks everyone!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top