I/O Device Error

My computer is pretty much a waste of space at this point... I run Windows XP and have two CD-RW drives installed on it.

For months, my drive that came with the computer hasn't even powered up with the computer and if it did, it would never open. Recently, my brother pressed the button before I could tell him it was a waste of time- and it opened for him. My first question is: why would do this and how do I get it to work ALL the time?

The second drive has never given me any problemsother than the fact that it's always been a little slow... Today, I put a blank CD in it to burn and it tells me that E:// is inaccessable because of an I/O Device Error. What is this, how do I fix it, and how do I keep it from happening again?

I really, really need a working CD drive so I can load a driver for my Camera and Voice Recorder to my computer. Someone help?

 

Go into Device Manager and remove both CD burners, then shutdown your computer. Now, while still powered off, physically disconnect the original CDRW (both the IDE & Molex connectors). Check the jumper on your newer CDRW and make sure it is set correctly (depends on your cabling - MA, SL or CS). Note: if its set to master, make sure it is connected to the terminating header on your IDE cable. Reboot the machine.

Report back with status after Windows has re-detected the drive. Then and only then can we go to the next step.

 

And this will fix both of my drives? If anything, I'd rather my original one worked because it's at least 2 years newer and faster. I'm asking this before I take my whole computer apart, of course. XD

 

I'm sorry, I thought your experience level was intermediate. Perhaps someone can help you with the first step I recommended.

No, I can make no statement that this will "fix" both of your drives. I was only going to take you through a simple troubleshooting procedure to first isolate your IO error and then try to determine the integrity of each of your drives. You may be better served to take your computer to a local technician.



edit: Your initial post neglected to mention the fact that a "slower" and "two-year older" CDRW was the one added to your machine. How are these drives jumpered? Although doubtful, that could be your whole problem.

In light of this revelation, I would be more inclined to reconnect the original drive and leave the after market drive disconnected but I still think you should get some local hands-on help.

 

Sorry! I'm only intermediate in some things- and this just isn't one of them... I'm just going to have my uncle look at it when he shows up next. Thanks for your help.

 

No problem. If your uncle wants a sounding board when he takes a look at your drives, please post back with any questions. This is a relatively easy thing to troubleshoot and you may want to save a copy of this thread for him.

Regards,