Any chance of software/configuration problem? (1 Viewer)

[Suvat]

Hey guys, my pioneer dvr 106d dvd writer suddenly decided to not read (or even detect the presence of) any cd or dvd I put in it. It still opens and closes fine, both using the button on the drive and via windows, but it simply doesn't read any form of media i put in there. i.e when i click on d drive in my computer it simply prompts me to insert a disk. I tried reinstalling the drivers and stuff, but that didn't work.

So my question is, is there any chance of me being able to fix it myself or do I have to get it repaired/replaced?

Thanks a bunch

btw the drive is about 15 months old

 

[jm1234567890]

problem is you don't know what the problem is.

the laser diode could be dead

 

[MedNez]

Best idea would be to take it in to get assessed, and if the manufacturers diagnostics fail, then you can replace the drive, or it may be a simple problem they can fix straight away.

 

[equiski]

Can you hear the cd 'spin up' when you first insert the disc?

 

[Suvat]

I can't hear any spin up, the light on the drive just lights on temporarily and then goes off, whereas normally it should begin flashing

 

[sunny]

So far you said it can't read. Can it write?

If it can't do either, and you don't hear any spinning up. Its a good chance its dead. And its extremely unlikely you can fix it yourself. Think of it as a chance for an upgrade.

 

[equiski]

Yeah, sounds like its dead. Happened to me once. I went for a whole year not being able to use CD-ROMs. It was pretty bad :].

 

[redslert]

the reason why you can't hear it spinning up is because it isn't spinning
the reason why it isn't spinning is because the laser is not picking up anything when you insert a disc into the drive. So the drive thinking there's nothing in it, it wouldn't spin

so most likely the laser is gone or it is dirty
since it is a dead drive you can either put it through warranty which a 106d should still have?
or you can open it up and try cleaning the laser yourself

 

[JimmyK]

At 15months, it might be out of waranty - but im not sure about pioneer products. Chances are the lasers dead, and this may be able to be replaced - but if its out of waranty, its probally going to be cheaper for you to buy a new one!

 

[Suvat]

Yeah, warranty's gone, any suggestions on a more reliable brand of dvd burner?

 

[MedNez]

I would've said Pioneer, however Liteon are good also.

 

[redslert]

pioneer

seriously i think you just got bad luck! pioneer are really reliable...
did you use the drive a lot? gave it plenty of abuse?

if you want something which is definetly reliable then it has to be the overly expensive plextor

 

[JimmyK]

i use a MSI (Microstar) CD-Burner .. and it works like a treat!! I havent heard anything bad about them, so im assuming they are good for other people as well.
Lite-on are also good, we have a Lite-on DVD burner, but I havent used it much as its in a different computer.

 

[Suvat]

I only used it moderately, and certainly did not abuse it

 

[sladehk]

Then a Lite-on would be good for you(it's pretty cheap)