3220 combo drive problems

I really like this notebook, but the QSI drive refuses to read any CDR or CDRW. It reads DVD-Rs, DVD+RWs, and original CDs no problem, but refuses to read recorded CDs. Do all 3220's have this problem, i.e.will an exchange model have the same problem? If so I'll have to return it unfortunately.

P.S. I've tried Maxell, Fuji, Memorex, Sony, and TDK blanks.

 

I just got this laptop too. I like it alot as well.

However, I have encountered the same issue as you but with a difference. I can read some but not all of my CDR (haven't yet tried RW's).

- can read all CD's that were burned on the 3220 QSI optical drive
- can read one CDR while others of same brand and origin (originally burned on another desktop at same time) are not readable
- can read two other CDR's that were burned on a third machine
- interestingly, the one readable CDR was rendered unreadable for a while (apparently but not conclusively) after I deleted some startup executables using TweakXP (not drivers for drive but application such as the included burning software, etc). I later reinstalled OS from Mftr's 3 CD disk image set and I could read this one CDR again.

I thought it might be related to the 3220 QSI optical drive somehow being supported by the included burning, CD management software because after reinstalling OS, I could read the previously unreadable. However, there is absolutely no documentation of this on Averatec site, or included Help files. Is it also strange that there is no driver on Averatec site for this drive? Must be supported by a WinXP native driver?

I bought this from Futureshop which has 14 day return, so I am thinking of going back to have them at least test 3220 QSI optical drive. My Averatec 3220 was pretty much the last one left, and was an out of box return item too.

I figure that the 3220 QSI optical drive is somehow misaligned or as optical drives go, just have inate variability in ability to read CD's. It does work for all other CD's and for the one DVD I have tried (purchased new recently).

If you get any info on this please let me know (registered forum members can email me)

Good luck!

Gord

 

It appears that the issue was related to types of CD's and or DVD's. I was able to read music CD's, DVD's and other data CD's. However, while watching one DVD, the player (Cyberlink PowerDVD) suddenly frooze and crashed.

Thinking it was the DVD, I restarted player and DVD started from same spot and frooze again and crashed PowerDVD.

Afterwards I was not able to get the CD/DVD drive to play anything at all. I've been very gentle with this laptop and the CD/DVD drive, and it appears to have just given up the ghost.

There are a couple of other posts in this forum with the same issue but no ultimate diagnosis or resolution other than to suggest that the CD/DVD drive is dead.

I have a hard time believing this the drive is dead. I mean how can it just fail!

Anyone else with same problem who can shed some light on this!

 

truth is QSI is a piece of crap. Reason averatec uses them is because they are cost effective. typically they say they are good up to 300 burns but it more or less seems that is maybe good for 1-10 bursn. Yes QSI may make a mistake and make a decent drive that may burn the 300 cd's it claims to be able to make. However these are few and far between. Great model laptop, crappy combo drive.

 

I think that is what my problem is ... the QSI combo drive is toast! I burned files to CD less than 20 times (only 4 times did I burn a complete CD).

That is unbelievable that any product could be so shoddy. It is almost a disposable product.

I assume that your combo drive failed too? Did you send your laptop back to Averatec to get another under warranty? If so, how much did it cost to send it and get it back and how much time?

Thanks for your information!

PS I emailed Averatec customer support and they replied within 24 hours as follows. I followed asking how to clean the combo drive without damaging (this is apparently easy to do), and to ask if I could send only the combo drive back:

"Hello,

I'm sorry that you are having this problem.

You can try uninstalling the driver, rebooting and letting Windows reinstall the drive. I would also try cleaning the drive. If neither works, please call technical support at the number below.

For situations such as this, please call us toll-free at 877-462-3462 to be assisted in person by a technical support technician. They will best be able to help you. Our helpful staff will be able to walk you through settings and troubleshooting steps. In addition, if an RMA needs to be set up, they will be able to assist you directly.

Kenneth Perry
Averatec
Customer Care Technician
Phone : 877.462.3462
Fax: 714.429.9961
eMail: [email protected] "