1. You are viewing our forum as a guest. For full access please Register. WindowsBBS.com is completely free, paid for by advertisers and donations.

[CD drive not working]

Discussion in 'PC Hardware' started by helpneeded1, 2010/01/14.

  1. 2010/01/14
    helpneeded1

    helpneeded1 Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2010/01/14
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    My CD drive isn't working. I've been trying to install Norton 2010, and when I put in the CD, the green light comes on, but nothing happens. My OS is Windows XP, it's a Dell, and I bought it in 2003. I don't play CD's on it, and very rarely install any progams.

    Any ideas?
     
    helpneeded1,
    #1
  2. 2010/01/15
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/05/10
    Messages:
    28,896
    Likes Received:
    389
    Welcome to WindowsBBS :)

    I have moved your post to a new thread - your problem is different to the Op's in the thread in which you posted.

    Please always start a new thread with a new problem - you may find our User Guide helpful.

    Your CD-ROM drive is very old and, having been used infrequently, may well be dirty....

    A few things to try ....

    Does the drive read other CD's? If so try the Norton CD in another computer and see if it reads.

    If not blow out the drive with canned air - the laser head may be dusted up.

    It is possible that the drive has failed - does it show up in Windows Explorer?
     
    PeteC,
    #2


  3. to hide this advert.

  4. 2010/01/15
    helpneeded1

    helpneeded1 Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2010/01/14
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Yes, my computer is old, but until I get a job, I can't replace it. It's a top priority, but I have to make do with what I have for now.

    I don't have another computer to put the CD in. This is the second one that didn't work. The first one I bought from eBay, and was able to get my $$ back on the assumption that the CD was defective. This current CD of Norton, I just bought from Best Buy, and they'll only exchange it, I can't get my $$ back on it. I've already called them about it. So it HAS to be the drive.

    I do have a can of air that I can blow out the lasers with, but where do I find them? I can download Norton 2010 , hich I should have done in the first place, but didn't think about it. I can still do that, but I'll be out $43.49 for what I bought.

    Any more suggestions? Any advice appreciated.
     
    helpneeded1,
    #3
  5. 2010/01/15
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/05/10
    Messages:
    28,896
    Likes Received:
    389
    You have a friend with a computer? As this is the second CD it seems unlikely that the CD disk is faulty,
    Open the tray and direct a blast of air into the body of the drive. An alternative is a CD cleaning disk.
    You didn't answer that question :)

    I hope you have antivirus software currently installed so that at least you are covered. If not post back in haste and I will point you to some highly recommended freeware av's which I use on my other computers.

    I appreciate your situation and have enormous sympathy, but you do realise that a new CD-ROM drive can be bought for < $40 - Best Buy

    However, as I already said I can point you towards effective freeware av and firewall, etc until such time as you are able to install Norton.
     
    PeteC,
    #4
  6. 2010/01/15
    helpneeded1

    helpneeded1 Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2010/01/14
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    I currently have Norton 2009 installed, and there are nine days remaining on my subscription.

    Yes, the drive shows in IE, so it's still there.

    I blasted some air into the inside of the CD drive, and will buy a CD cleaning disk today.

    I have a friend who's husband repairs my computer when necessary, but they don't live near me. Since I'm job hunting, I reallly can't be without it, so I don't take it to him unless it's an emergency.

    I'll report back later with an update after the air blast and CD cleaning disk.
     
    helpneeded1,
    #5
  7. 2010/01/15
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/05/10
    Messages:
    28,896
    Likes Received:
    389
    When your subscription ends the software will continue to protect your computer - but the definitions will not be updated.
     
    PeteC,
    #6
  8. 2010/01/15
    helpneeded1

    helpneeded1 Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2010/01/14
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    I bought a CD/DVD disk cleaner at Target called OpticDisc. I don't think it's going to work on my computer. But it wants to open Windows Media Player, and I don't have it installed. My speakers have never worked since I've had the computer, and since they don't I have no use for Windows Media Player. I guess I'll have to try to get it to my friend's husband next week so he can repair it.
     
    helpneeded1,
    #7
  9. 2010/01/19
    helpneeded1

    helpneeded1 Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2010/01/14
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    I blasted some air into the drive, and used the CD disk cleaner. Neither worked. I won't be able to get my computer to my friend's husband until sometime next week, so if someone could recommend some freeware that I could download to protect my computer until that time, I would appreciate it.
     
    helpneeded1,
    #8
  10. 2010/01/19
    sp3851

    sp3851 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    2009/11/08
    Messages:
    280
    Likes Received:
    4
    I use Avast (FREE) which has virus and spyware protection:
    http://www.avast.com/index

    I have heard that Norton is really a resource hog. I was using it but have switched to Avast and really like it.
     
    sp3851,
    #9
  11. 2010/01/20
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/05/10
    Messages:
    28,896
    Likes Received:
    389
    As I posted earlier ....
    So you have protection.

    However I second the suggestion of Avast - I use that on my other desktop and 2 laptops. Quirky interface, but is recommended.
     
    PeteC,
    #10

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...