Window Will Not Start With Cd-dvd Connected

I have an IBM aptiva E5D with win 98. For some
reason my Com 2 will not work on 2 programs,
but will on a third program. After trying to get
it working failed I decided to see if it was a
physical probem. In my computer I had replaced
the 8 HD with a 60 HD. The old hard drive was
in the case but disconnected. I opened the case
and disconnected the new 60 HD and connected the
old 8 HD. The com 2 would still not work in the
old HD. That told me it was a physical problem.
I have a CD and DVD connected to the second IDE.
I had to disconnect them at the IDE to see which
way the plug should face. Now here is the real
problem. When I have the new 60 HD connected
and the CD-DVD cable connected to the second IDE
windows will not start. If I remove the CD-DVD
cable at the secondary IDE windows WILL START.
But then I have no use of the CD-DVDs. I have
tried connecting several times and the only way
windows will start is with the seconday IDE cable
left off.

What is happening to me. How do I:

Get windows to start with the secondary IDE
cable plugged it. Right now the Aptiva screen
comes on and goes no further.

What kind of physical problem could I be having
with the com 2 port. The serial port is working
two programs will not communicate through, one
will. Before they all worked together. And the
same thing happend with the old HD connected
telling me its not a windows problem???

HELP Thanks, Jerry

 

More Info Needed:

• When you say COM 2 will not work, are you writing about the on-board COM 2 or is the on-board COM 2 turned off in the BIOS and this is a PCI device that has set itself up on COM 2?
• What device is on COM 2?
• Exactly what kinds of programs are there that will and will not use COM 2

Things to check:

• Check to see if COM 2 (aka Serial Port) is ON or OFF (Enabled/Disabled) in the BIOS, whichever is appropriate.
• Be sure the Slave/Master jumper settings are correct for your IDE devices. You cannot have two Slave devices on a single IDE controller (ribbon cable), nor two Masters. In cases of your bootable device, it must be Master and be on the Primary controller.
• Be sure the ribbon cables have the pin-one orientation correct on the IDE device end (CD/DVD drive or hard drive). The stripe on the ribbon cable is nearest where the power plugs into the drive.
• Be sure you have the pin-one orientation correct on the main board end. You will have to check the main board manual for this one because they are all different.

 

SUCCESS
I was able to get the CD-DVD drives working. After switching
around cables and attaching the drives one at a time I
discovered the DVD drive went bad. When it was connected
alone windows started up but the DVD would not work. When I
started up the CD-RW drive windows also started and worked.
The DVD was the master. When both were connected windows
would not start. I took out the DVD and put in a new CD drive
which installed immediately and worked. Now both CD-Rw and CD
drives are working. I did loose use of a DVD drive.
In drive manager under CD ROM both cd drives are listed as
working. Above that in CD ROM CONTROLLERS I have a
MKE Panasonic CD Rom Drive listed as not working with a yellow
symbol over it. Properties say the device is not present or
is not working. That is the only device listed under that
heading. Should I remove it? What should be listed under
CD ROM CONTROLLERS.

Concerning the Com 2 connection. It is still not working on 2
programs.
I am interested in putting is a new serial port. How is it
done and after it is installed will I be able to get to Com 2
through it. Is a serial port a card to plug in and is it
plug and play. Please walk me through a serial port install.

Thanks, Jerry