Why doesn't my CD rom drive work?

Question

I recently gave my friend a computer to fix. It's a dell dimension 4700 desktop. The condition was good. But, then there's a problem with the cd rom drive. When i put a CD rom in, it seems to be running, but there's no icon in the MY COMPUTER area or it doesn't have a screen like it usually does to start you up with the CD. Is there anything I should look for inside my computer to see what's wrong?

Answer 1

it sounds like the eye on the disk drive might be out  

Answer 2

Depending On The Age Of Your Computer The Lens In The Drive Might Be Dirty Or Damged. But Thats All I Can Think Of

Answer 3

It may not be connected.  There are usually 3 connections.  One is the power cord which is connected as it opens.  One is the ribbon cable which is most likely the problem.  One is the sound cable which will not affect the ability to read, only to hear.

Answer 4

As mentioned above there are two possibilities ( the 2nd option being most likely based on your description of the problem)

1- the cd-rom data pick-up lens may have become dirty and needs to be cleaned with a lens cleaner. It happens to all drives over time, especially if you use your PC in dusty environments. When a problem like this occurs the drive cannot read the data from the cd/dvd and windows will not be able to respond to anything thats placed inside the drive in the normal fashion. You might actually hear clicking noises from the drive as it attempts to focus the lens on the disc to correct the read problem. The Cd-rom icon will be present in the My Computer window, but it may or may not update itself when a new disc is inserted.

2- The cd drive data cable was either damaged or was not reattached to the motherboard or (rarely) is attached in the wrong way . When this happens the computer will not recognize that a cd-rom is attached to your PC and no cd-rom icon will be present in the My Computer window. If the power cable is attached the Cdrom drive will try to spin up the disc, but that's all it will do.

When looking inside your PC, look for at least 2 cables attached to your cd rom drive (the third cable might be a thin analog audio cable that attaches to the soundcard or motherboard - not important). One should have several colored wires (yellow, red and black) - that's the power supply cord...the other should be a flat ribbon-like cable (the data cable)...if you don't see it attached then that's the problem. If it's attached and your computer behaves as in scenario 2 above, the cable might be damaged or loose. Just press in both ends gently (not too hard as to damage the motherboard)...if that doesn't work, try switching the cable with a new one.  

Answer 5

Well it sounds like it's getting power but not connected to the motherboard properly. Make sure the jumper settings are correct and that it is connected properly.

Answer 6

------>check whether the data cable to CD drive is connected not the power cable....

------->check whether the CD drive is installed in ur system by going to

                   My Computer properties-->hardware-->Device Manger-->DVD/CD-ROM Devices. If not, find the CD drive "driver" and install it. May be it should solve ur problem