DVD-RW can't read or write any media

Hello!

I have a Gericom Blockbuster 2440XL notebook and after taking out and cleaning the keyboard, the DVD-RW (Mata UJ-815-B) stopped working properly. It is recognized in BIOS, it has power and accepts and ejects CDs, however it can't read or write any media. After I insert a disc, I hear mechanical sounds and the DVD-RW led flashes, but after a few seconds nothing happens. I can't access any kind of media, either written or blank, CDs or DVDs. I took the drive out and put it back, several times, with no success. The lock for the dvd-rw doesn't work anymore, since I cleaned the keyboard, but this should have no influence on the drive, right? Since it has power, that it fits well on the connector, I think. I even tried to push it with the hand in the slot a little stronger, just in case the connection was loose, but to no avail.
What can I do?
I have a DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo from an IBM Thinkpad T30, but unfortunately, the connectors are different. I took some pictures of the drives:







Do you think, that I can adapt the other DVD-ROM into the laptop bay somehow?
I am very thankful for any suggestions.

Chris

 

My Sony VAIO VGN-SZ330 has the same issue, it won't recognize half of the things you put into the disc tray. It did this since a long time ago, but I've never been in a position to care much about it, because until now I didn't use a laptop very often. However, when I came to Iraq and realized how limited it made me, I bought a $60 external DVD drive off of Newegg and went along my way.

If you have the money, it's probably less trouble, and much more reliable.

 

Yes, but the problem is that I can't boot off an external USB drive, because the BIOS does not have this option. So I wouldn't be able to do a windows installation for instance.
Thank you for answer anyway.

Chris

 

Get out your set of screwdrivers and see if you can get down to the bare drive. I attach a photo of the connector on the bare drive. Computer manufacturers frequently put an adaptor, which you should be able to swap.

This thread has some relevant info about swapping optical drives.

John

 

Try use some CD cleaner to clean the lens of the drive. Put some droplets of the cleaner solvent on the paper disc of the CD cleaner and put the cleaner disc into the tray, the PC will need a minute to read the disc, at the same time, the CD cleaner will clean the DVD drive lens this way.

Sometimes, the cluttered lens will prevent the drive from reading any disc but Bios and windows can detect the drive.

Hope this helps!
Bill

 

Hi! You were right, I took the adaptor off and managed to mount the other disc drive which now works fine.

@PcTestCard.com: So you say I should get a cd-cleaning kit with one of those cleaning discs and try with that?
Or should I open the drive and clean the lens manually?

Thank you for your replies!

Chris