CD Not Working

[gds]

Toshiba Notebook P25-5509 with CD/DVD combo drive

All hardware devices including drives working properly according to Device Mgr

CD enabled for writing per Properties

CD drive worked when I bought the computer but it took sometimes an hour trying to get it to recognize that the disk was valid and then it would all of a sudden accept it and download. It kept getting worse and finally wouldn't download files or play music disks. Took to Best Buy where I have a service plan and they went into Device Mgr and showed me where it said the hardware is working properly. They told we it was not covered but they would fix the problem for $80.

Called computer manufacturer-out of warranty-referred me to MicroSoft

Called MicroSoft-suggested using Recovery and Applications/Drivers DVD that came with computer. The technician said Best Buy, in their opinion, did not do adequate testing.

I looked at the eye of the drive with a magnifying glass and it looks perfectly clean. While doing this I very carefully moved the reading mechanism down its channel slightly, inserted a music disk with one song that was downloaded a long time ago when the CD drive worked and was surprised to see the little disk flashing at my curser. I could feel the vibration of the disk working and then Media Player came on and played the song.

I talked to two friends that work on computers (one for a living) and they both think the problem is with the combo drive without seeing the computer.

I need advice/suggestions on using Rescue Disk and avoiding problems before trying to use this disk.

The Rescue Disk may not even work considering my problem.

PS: Just closed door that contained the disk with one song after the door was open for 30 minutes-got 3 blinking disks at cursor then nothing-repeated with same results-repeated again and got 8 blinking disks and the CD Drive window opened. It was blank and "Details" showed 702MB free-702MB total size. In other words it did not recognize the 1 song. Tried again and got no blinking disks but after about 30 seconds the CD Drive blank window opened with same details.

Edited August 23, 2006 by gds

[nitroshift]

It looks like the lens is dirty or there is some hardware fault. Try cleaning the lens first and see if it helps. If not, I guess it's time to get a new drive.

WOOT!!! My 500th post!

Edited August 21, 2006 by nitroshift

[trickytwista]

yep i agree,most likely a bit of crap on the lens, although its cheap to buy a new drive these days

[gds]

Is the lens the little green "eye" looking thing? I have looked at it through a magnifying glass and it looks perfectly clean. There is a manufacturer sign near it that says "do not touch the lens". What do you clean it with and how so as not to damage it? If the driver is faulty why would the drive properties indicate the hardware is working properly? I took the computer to Best Buy where I have a Service Plan and after testing the computer they told me the problem is not in the hardware and consequently not covered under the Service Plan.

[LLXX]

Use a slightly moist cotton swab to clean the lens, with water is fine but there are lens cleaning fluids (intended for camera lenses) that are recommended.

[nitroshift]

Use a slightly moist cotton swab to clean the lens, with water is fine but there are lens cleaning fluids (intended for camera lenses) that are recommended.

That would involve removing and disassembling the drive and as I see it's still covered by warranty, I guess it's better to get hold of a Lens Cleaning CD.