Hi, guys...I have a dell inspiron 600m laptop with a cd-r/dvd-r combo drive. I have been noticing lately that my disk drive wont read disk. I will have a cd in the drive with a good amount of pictures on the disc, and the computer will read it as a blank cd. After getting tired of the blank cd's, i swapped the same disc in my brothers laptop, and the pictures loaded. What is wrong with my drive?

Is the laser worn out? Sometimes it works, others it doesnt. I really dont feel like calling dell up, their customer service sucks unless you call late at night. I need to switch to Mac soon. What you guys think is wrong?

 

You probably have a dirty laser lense. Try cleaning the laser lense with a q-tip dipped in alcohol. This method always works for me. Be gentle. Scrathing the lense is very bad.

If you're not the do it yourself type you can purchase a CD Drive cleaner disc. It's basically a disc with brushes glued to the bottm. They should cost around five bucks. It's not worth is in my opinion. But the choice is yours.

 

ill try it out when u get home today from class. thanks!

 

What kind of cd is it? Does this happen with all cds? I wouldn't try cleaning it until you know thats what the problem is.

 

Just the normal cdr's to burn items too. I mainly burn photos on the disc i have.

 

Try using another type of cd i.e. music or software(not self made) . If that type doesnt work, you would be best off buying a new one.(very cheap now) If that type works you might want to try burning it at a slower speed or trying another brand of blank cd-r. Let me know what you find out.

P.S. I might have a cd burner laying around.

 

My problem is i want another internal burner.

Im thinking about just riding this out untill i can save up for a Mac. I could use one for school anyway, and the mini might do the trick untill i can get real cash for a nice dual g5

 

I'd highly recommend getting a dvd burner.

 

i have one in my dell now

i just havn't burned any dvd's yet. I want to make my own films cause im good at that, but theirs n way my laptop can handle the stuff i want to produce. Ill be at the Mac store soon enough. My cell phone just broke today, thats more uneeded cash to spend now.

 

might be outdated drivers, new ones may fix your problem. And also, try the cleaning like said above. Either that, or check the pins in the back of the drive and make sure theyre in all the way, A loose power connector can cause problems.