Computer Clicks & Freezes Up

Hi all,

Don't have much time to post this, but after installing a new Lite-on DVD RW, my pc wants to make clicking sounds and then freeze up. I have disconnected the optical drive for now, but I am still having the same issue.

I can boot up to safe mode, but that is all. Don't think this is an HD issue at this time.

Running XP Home w/sp2, 1.73 Ghz processor & 1gb of RAM.

Since I cannot go online in safe mode, it might be a few days before I can answer back.

Thanks.

Edit: I am not having any problems booting up to safe mode...only when I go to my desktop. Wonder if I am having a driver conflict of sorts?

 

Called a local computer store for pricing on an 80 wire, 40 pin IDE cable that I was needing for the DVD (according to BIOS message). Also, in our conversation, I asked about the clicking noise, and the guy told me that my HD was going bad, so I disconnected the older Maxtor drive and was able to boot up to desktop with no issues so far.

I tried (earlier) to listen for the source of the clicking noise, but was not able to pin it down. I may hook the drive back up and see if the noise returns.

In my haste to post this thread in class, I left out the fact that I have two HDs. Maybe it is the Maxtor going bad, but the SMART status did not indicate it - the day things went bad.