The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    M1330 - Replacing / Fixing a Broken Slot Load DVD Drive

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by bealzabubba, Dec 17, 2007.

  1. bealzabubba

    bealzabubba Newbie

    Reputations:
    1
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Background:

    Last Thursday, the strap on my notebook bag came loose, and it fell as I walked down the steps to the parking garage at my office. When I fully inspected my M1330, everything worked – except for the DVD drive. ARGGGG!

    It turns out, as best as I can figure, that the bag hit the corner of one of the stairs, and through the padded sides of the case, managed to crack the bottom of the case about one third the way along the DVD slot from the front. It wouldn’t load a DVD, as the slot was bent by the damage to the case, which had displacement between the two sides of a the crack. At this point, it physically wouldn’t go in, so I don’t know if the drive would load a disk or not.

    So, I performed surgery last night, and disassembled the entire thing to get to the DVD drive and the bent case. When I (finally) got to the drive (not a fun or easy procedure), there was a loose piece of black plastic in lying under the drive when I removed it. You can kind of, maybe, see the black piece here http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsm1330/en/SM/html/optical.htm#wp999869 approximately one third of the way from the left of the drive – BUT I can’t really tell that’s where it went. It’s approximately ¾ of an inch long, and looks like it *might* be to lock a disk in place when inserted or to prevent another disk from being put in – but I can’t really tell.

    I placed the plastic piece back in where I *thought* it went, fixed the case (it’s still cracked, but no longer has any displacement around the crack). The dust guard is bent to heck, and will have to be replaced or removed.

    In any event, after I got it back together, a disk will now go into the slot, but the drive won’t pull it in a disk. Either the plastic piece is in the wrong place (possible), or the drive is shot. While I don’t really use the drive much, I want to fix it. So I have three questions, if anyone can help:

    1. Any idea what the black plastic piece is, and if so exactly where it goes (I’m kicking myself for not taking a pic when it was disassembled.)
    2. What, if any, is the difference between the two slot load drives available for the M1330 - and is either one preferred over the other. You can see the information Dell has here: http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...192266&chassisid=8463&category_id=6992&~ck=bt
    3. Any idea of price for either of these?

    Thanks in advance for any help
     
    bealzabubba, Dec 17, 2007
    #1
  2. BlackRussian

    BlackRussian Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    239
    Messages:
    1,206
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    No photos dear oh dear!! :eek:
    Q1) Have you got Accidental Damage Cover via Dell?
    Q2) You could try your luck and ring up Dell for a replacement unit but you tell the the system will not boot, and if the send you one change parts as needed the return the extra unit to Dell.. :eek: :rolleyes:
    If the laptop function ok but without support due to broken burner buy one online..Pioneer DVDK06 slot drive very good drive there is other but that is one of the common drive.. also reads/writes to Ram.. just an idea..Plus cheaper then buying from Hell/Dell
     
    BlackRussian, Dec 17, 2007
    #2
  3. bealzabubba

    bealzabubba Newbie

    Reputations:
    1
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Thanks for the reply, BR, but....

    1. No, no Accidental damage coverage - in 15 years I've never dropped a laptop, so I opted not to go for it.

    2. It's an idea, but three problems .... the case is cracked below the drive - not a big deal, and one I can live with - but it does show. Second problem is (potentially) that this is from the outlet - I don't think that I get the replacement coverage. Third problem is that I'm not comfortable making a false claim.

    In any event, I appreciate the thought on the pioneer drive - but it appears to be a tray load, not a slot load drive needed for the m1330. see http://www.directron.com/dvrk06.html


    And so that I'm clearerer than I was above - Everything works, except for the DVD Drive. Operationally, I'm fine, especially as I don't really use CD/DVD's much on this machine.

    It's just going to drive me nuts if it all doesn't work.
     
    bealzabubba, Dec 17, 2007
    #3
  4. BlackRussian

    BlackRussian Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    239
    Messages:
    1,206
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    BlackRussian, Dec 17, 2007
    #4
  5. bealzabubba

    bealzabubba Newbie

    Reputations:
    1
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    I stand corrected on the Pioneer drive - looks like directron's picture is incorrect.
     
    bealzabubba, Dec 17, 2007
    #5
  6. Khris

    Khris Yes I am better than you!

    Reputations:
    655
    Messages:
    2,608
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Hey DeusEx, prime example of how accidents can happen a) when you least expect it, and b) no matter how careful you are. ;)

    Makes me glad I have Complete Care! I wouldn't want to have to deal with the pain the OP is I'm sure going through because of this! :(

    It's nice to see someone with their morals still intact! Bravo!!! :)
     
    Khris, Dec 17, 2007
    #6