Need Quick Help Regarding CD-RW Drive!!!

[PPK]

My CD-RW isn't being recognized by my computer anymore and my computer crashes if the CD-RW needs to be recognized (ie, putting a CD in, clicking on My Computer, etc...)

Can anyone help me?

[shizzle]

Check the BIOS.

[PPK]

I'm clueless as far as that stuff goes, could you please tell me how to check it and what to check for?

[Daniel]

When your computer boots up, it goes through what appears to be a dos screen where it shows you your proccessor, ram, harddrive, etc.

Usually, then, just when you see that screen, press Delete, or F1 or whatever it says to press to enter menu(which is the bios).

[PPK]

I went into the BIOS and didn't find anything out fo the ordinary, but I changed it so it checked for a CD-ROM drive and did a full boot instead of a quick one. Still no CD-RW thouhg :(

[PPK]

My hardware profile doesn' show any CD-RW at all, not even one with an error. It does show two hard disk controllers, one of whihc, a Secondary IDE Dual Fifo, isn't working properly, but I don't know why. Any have ideas?

[Dean]

Unplug the IDE/power cable to the drive then put it in again

[PPK]

Wouldn't it not show up on the list if it was a cable problem. I guess I could try that, but I have a feeling it won't work. Anyone had similar problems?

[Daniel]

What is your system specs and what is your PSU?

[PPK]

I don't know what a PSU is. I have a Gateway Box with an around 600 Celeron, 20 GB HD, CD-RW, and built in Graphics/Audio.

[Akalon]

PSU = Power Supply Unit

[Daniel]

PSU is power supply. How many watts is yours?

[PPK]

I have no idea, how would you find out? I do know that my power supply was recently replaced by Gateway after it got fried.

[Daniel]

It should say on the back of the PSU.

[PPK]

Where the plug goes in, correct? That's what I thought but I couldn't see it. What does this have to do with the CD-RW? Is it possible I have a power issue?

[Daniel]

It could be possible that your computer is under-powered.

[Bruce]

All of these pre-built systems from manufacturers like Dell, Gateway, Compaq/HP etc. use unbelievably small PSUs (a friend of mine has a compaq with a 1.3GHz Athlon, 512MB RAM, 80GB etc. and it has a friggin' 110 watt PSU). They get away with the low wattage though...

[Daniel]

PSU's are quite expensive...

[Bruce]

Not really... you can get a decent 350W for ~$45.

[PPK]

Why would the PSU be an issue now though, I have had the same configuration for the life of the computer. Is it possible that too many USB devices are sucking juice? I have a printer, keyboard, mouse, scanner, and digital camera dock all connected via USB.

[Ben]

Originally posted by PPK
USB devices are sucking juice? I have a printer, keyboard, mouse, scanner, and digital camera dock all connected via USB.
USB = Power Hog
I only have 2 USB ports on my good computer (950mhz athlon/256mb SDRAM), 250w power supply, and it still sometimes gets laggy when my CD burner is being used (for anything. reading/writing/rewriting).

[PPK]

So chances are that the CD-RW might work if I un-plug some USB devices then?

[Ben]

Originally posted by PPK
So chances are that the CD-RW might work if I un-plug some USB devices then?
I'm not sure. If it doesn't then you may need to choke up the cash for a better power supply.

[PPK]

Why would I need more power now as opposed to a year ago running the same hardware though? I've always had the same internal components, including the RW drive.

[Daniel]

Originally posted by PPK
Why would I need more power now as opposed to a year ago running the same hardware though? I've always had the same internal components, including the RW drive.

What about USB devices? DId you always have them a year ago?

Try putting the printer on the Printer Port instead of USB.

[PPK]

My printer is USB only as far as I know, it just came with USB. Also, the only USB device I've added is the scanner, and un-plugging it didn't make a difference. :(