Laptop CD/DVD drive failing?

Aloiv · Joined: Mar 20, 2008 Posts: 3

Yeah, this is my first post here, but this is a problem that's got me worried, especially in case Windows XP freaks out.

But anyways, I've been using an HP dv6000 (dv6105us to be exact) for about 2 years now, and have had more than my fair share of problems (Bios replacements, Vista issues, and others) but now I've got a problem I'm really worried about.
For the past few weeks, my CD/DVD drive has been getting pretty bad. When I put in a disk, CD or DVD it takes a while to read the disk, and now its getting so bad that it won't even read the disk. I'd replace it, but HP is expecting me to pay for a phone call just to see how much a repair would cost, and online help is of no help at all.

So I thought about getting a USB CD/DVD drive. The benefit would be that I could use it on my PC and Laptop, and any future computers I may get. However, what I'm not sure about is whether or not such a drive will work under a bios. For example, if I wanted to reinstall windows or install linux or something like that on this laptop, would I be able to use a USB Disk Drive?

goretsky

Hello,

I assume you have taken the normal software and hardware troubleshooting steps to verify the DVDÂ±RW disc drive in your Hewlett-Packard dv6105us notebook is failing.

Have you looked into purchasing a new drive that installs in the computer? This will be more convenient to use and you will not have to deal with any possible issues from having an external USB optical drive.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

zlim · Joined: Mar 11, 2005 Posts: 2422

First and probably the cheapest thing to do. Open the computer up and change the ribbon cable just to be sure it is not a bad cable. While you have the computer open, clean out the dust and make sue that the power connector to the CD/DVD drive is tight.

One problem with anything USB is that the computer might not see it until windows is loaded.

drwho07 · Joined: Nov 29, 2007 Posts: 1134 Location: Central FL, USA

Hey Z!

It's a freakin' laptop.....you don't just open them up!
Secondly, there's NO ribbon cable to the DVD drive.....it plugs into a socket inside the laptop.

There's a simple little release button on one side of the drive (with drive drawer in the out position)..... press the little release and you can pull the drive right out. Replacements can be had for a reasonable price.

Doc

Aloiv · Joined: Mar 20, 2008 Posts: 3

Thanks for the help so far. I finally figured out how to remove the driver (nasty little hidden screw actually) so I tried removing it and looking it over. Nothing was wrong with any connections anywhere and I blew out any dust. So I plugged it back in but I'm still getting nothing. Its like the worst part is that the drive is still working and can communicate with the computer, just it can't read any disks (maybe the lens is damaged or something)

As for looking for a replacement disk drive, I'm not having much luck. Most of the ones I find online cost like... $200 which is pretty... unfair to pay for (I'm only a lowly student)

drwho07 · Joined: Nov 29, 2007 Posts: 1134 Location: Central FL, USA

Yeah, laptop parts tend to be a little on the pricey side, if available at all. Crying or Very sad

I suppose laptops are handy for a student, but they are very hard to fix if problems arise and they are very easy to steal.
A nice big tower, however, is easy to fix or upgrade and much harder to steal. Idea

I have a little Toshiba laptop with a cracked screen. A new one is way beyond my budget. So it just sits on a shelf, doing nothing. Sad

What happens to CD/DVD drives to render them BROKE, is that the little laser diode burns out. It's a common failure.

You can probably get a USB external DVD burner for much less than that $200 price tag.

Good Luck,
Doc

brat · Joined: Jun 05, 2003 Posts: 2326

You might find something here.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/Category/category_tlc.asp?CatI...&na

mrsbrat

drwho07 · Joined: Nov 29, 2007 Posts: 1134 Location: Central FL, USA

If I were in the market for an external (USB) DVD burner,
I'd jump on this one like a Goose on a Junebug! Laughing

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?E...o=35389

The price is definitely RIGHT!

Good Luck,
Doc

Aloiv · Joined: Mar 20, 2008 Posts: 3

Well, there's still one thing I'm not sure of. If I have to reinstall windows or something, would I be able to do it from an External CD drive? I know my Bios supports USB Hard Drives, but I don't know if its the same for an optical drive =/