Resolved ASUS Laptop DVD Failure

I am having trouble with my laptop's DVD drive. Sometimes it will play a DVD and yet other times when I insert a DVD the player makes a clicking sound and nothing else happens. After I eject the disc I can put in a different DVD and it will either play or it starts clicking too. The strange thing about this is I can put the "failed" disc back in the drive the next day and it will play. Also it doesn't6 matter whether the disc's are store bought or home made. Any suggestions?

The laptop is an ASUS, model K50IJ and is about 15 months old. Operating system is Windows 7 64 bit. The dvd drive is a Toshiba TS-L633C (the actual code is TSSTCORP CDDVDW TS-L633C).

By the way, I've tried contacting ASUS with this issue but have yet to hear back after several posts.

 

Could be dust or pet hair (I have a dog been there done that ) inside the drive, try a blast of compressed air, failing that a lens cleaning disc.

 

I've tred that but it doesn't seem to help (We raise Persians cats too and I know all about pet hair). One other thing I find strange is if I put a slight amount of pressure on top of the laptop just above the DVD player, it will work fine. Somethig just isn't right with this thing

 

It does sound strange (Note I have the same model drive but haven't experienced this problem).

I'm wondering about the retaining s c r e w any chance it's been swapped with the wrong one (eg has your laptop ever been serviced) or has the laptop suffered a knock?

 

I did drop the computer bag from my chair about two months ago but it did no apparent damage. The case is perfect and all systems work fine except the DVD drive which had been giving me this problem long before it was dropped.

I've never had it serviced and always install the updates when required. I did however take the drive out to inspect it and I can see no dust, hair or other foreign objects anywhere in or out of the unit.

 

Given what you've posted, I'd say it's a hardware issue. Is the laptop still under warranty?

 

The laptop came with a one (1) year warranty and as you can see by my earlier post I've owned it longer than that. Again as I stated earlier I've tried contacting ASUS for help but it seems this issue falls on deaf ears. The only reply I got from them was to update the drivers which I tried to do but according to the web site I already have the most up to date driver installed. After that I contacted ASUS and told them the issue was still un-resolved (5 times I've written them) but I haven't heard back. I guess once they have your money the go on to the next.

 

Unfortunately I can't say for definite that it is the drive (though it certainly looks like it), it does look like you've ruled out any software/cleaning issues.

Next option would be to buy a replacement drive, if it is a problem with the laptop's case though this may not help.

Your call.

 

I've looked everywhere to buy a replacement drive only to be told I have to get it through the manufacturer. So far I haven't been able to get either Toshiba or ASUS to contact me or sell me one. Any idea where I can purchase a new Toshiba TS-L633C????

 

I'll sell you one

Seriously you just need a laptop SATA DVD drive, it's a standard connection though the facia may not be the same colour.

EDIT:

Failing that, if it's practical for your needs you could just buy an external USB drive.

 

I understand that. The problem being I've looked on line and here in the Dallas/Fort Worth area for a replacement. Still haven't located one. I've tried Fry's Electronics, which is a huge computer supply depot, CompUSA, NewEgg.com and even a few of the not so well known establishments. Either I'm not looking in the right place or no one sells an internaal dvd drive for a laptop. I can get an external one no problem at all but that isn't the way I want to go. I'm at the point now where I'm about ready to toss this laptop and purchase a new one but it most certainly won't be an ASUS!

 

Your call raylyncorvette,

My guess is you're not looking in the right place (google has plenty of hits and your experience should be enough to find one in the US).

I wouldn't scrap the laptop for such a minor issue though, then again I'm not Texan, I'm Scottish and we don't scrap anything.

Good luck on your hunt but I'm certain it's not as difficult as you think.

 

Thanks for all the help but I've looked on Google before and again today but most of the places that have this particular model fit Dell, Samsung or Acer. Not one of them is for ASUS. Others say the item is no longer available or discontinued.

 

One more time, it's a standard connection and no need for that particular model (which incidentally doesn't fit your ASUS -BIG CLUE THERE).

Take the drive to Fry's Electronics and ask them to order a compatible one in.

 

Already done that. Like I said, Fry's doesn't sell laptop INTERNAL dvd drives nor does CompUSA or anyone else around here for that fact. It appears I'm at the mercy of the online sellers to obtain one. I know I'm being a bit fussy here but I really want one for the ASUS due to the facia being so different which by the way mine doesn't come off.

 

Well that is unfortunate, and I thought Dundee was poor for buying replacement parts (although there's at least 4 local independents that'll replace that drive within 20 minutes from my home )

I'm certain the facia can be swapped over, take a closer look.

I'm outta ideas now, if the above doesn't help and you absolutely must have a laptop with matching DVD then scrapping it is probably your only option.

 

I appreciate your time and help. I now have the drive in my hands and it appears the tabs on the side to remove the facia are actually glued in place. I guess its time for an external drive or just use it for online activities or just toss it. Its a good thing I have another laptop (no problems with this one) and my pc works great. Have a nice day and agian thanks for everything.

 

Compgeeks dot com has that drive for 23.00. They are new pulls. They only have a 90 day warranty, but for 23.00......
The majority of the plastic fronts, if you are careful can be swapped.

Just a thought

 

Thanks for the info. I just visited the site and orderd the drive. I'm still trying to get the front off of the original one but so far no luck. I still think it is glued in place because there is no movement what-so-ever. Oh well.....