3270 DVD issues

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Glad I found this forum; I've been lurking for a few months now and finally need to ask my own question.

I have a AV3270-EH1 that seems to have developed a problem reading some disks. The computer is about 2.5 months old and doesn't seem to recognize some DVDs and CDs at all. For example, I made a copy of a gps software cd and when I then place the copy into the drive it acts like it's searching for the cd but just keeps making repeated buzzing noises. I made the copy because I couldn't install the original (it would install and then ask for me to insert the CD to run the program while the disk was still in the tray). This has been a frustrating issue and it has also happened with some DVD's. The drive just keeps acting like it is trying to spin and makes a buzzing noise. As a note, my roommate has the same exact computer and it recognizes many of the disks without issue. I'm in Iraq right now so I can't exactly send it away to be serviced either. Would anybody recommend replacing the drive with a better quality unit? Can I purchase a replacement from a vendor and then replace the faceplate so that it will still match? Are these things standard size like desktop drives? I know this is too long, thanks for sticking with it and thanks for any recommendations!!

deimos

 

Hop on over to www.averatecforums.com, there are a few topics relating to replacing the optical drive.

 

I posted a reply for "scared of buying" but this thread may be a better fit for my comments. I have a 3280 Averatec and I just finished talking to tech support about my DVD burner issue. The problem is that it will read but won't burn and that is a MAJOR issue for me, that's the one reason I got it for, almost. Like I said, the unit has many good qualities/features but the result of my call yielded no answers, to reformat the drive, to send it in for repair, to do this and that with no answer. Fortunately, the store where I bought it said I could return it for a complete refund. The sad thing is, I was really starting to like this unit. I could go the extra mile and send it in but no assurances that the fan going out or the case-crack could be next. Good luck to you all.

GranPicasso.

 

Might want to update firmware and/or ide drivers if available.

 

OK:
I realize this info is going to come WAAAAYY too late to help the original poster but I had a similar problem and thought I would share my experience for others reading this post. The 3200 series Averetec products used a slimtype sony drive that is notoriously twitchy and prone to failure on the read head. I have a 3270-eh1. I found this out the hard way. The symptoms in MY case were that things were working fine and then suddenly the drive would read CDs but NOT DVDs. Then it would NOT work at all one time and read a CD the next. Then it just QUIT. The computer could always FIND the drive, but there simply was NO information on the disk. Replacing the read head with a new unit that I bought on eBay through a reputable vendor worked WONDERS! I did not find my unit listed but I found a seller that seemed to have everything and used the "Ask Seller a Question" link to ask if he had one of MY units available. He said he did and he set up a way that I could bid on one of his auctions and get my item shipped to me in just a few days. Going this way was cheaper than buying a new drive that I really didn't need. The read head I had originally had lasted about 2 years or so and I figure if the new one does the same, I should be OK since I only paid about $25 total with shipping. I suspect the 3150 is probably made with the same drive and suffers from the same problems.

There are probably a great number of Averatec products made with this drive. The one I had was a Sony Lite-On unit. It was officially listed as the Sony/LiteOn SOSW-852s. The part you probably need to replace is the CD/VCD/DVD±RW Laser Pickup or Laser Pickup for short. ;-) Make sure you have the exact drive specs for your PC. God only knows what has happened in the past to our babies in the past if we weren't the original owners.

 

Hubarlow, you may be too late to help the original poster but you sure helped me. I'm having the same problems you described and now I guess I have to either replace the whole mechanism or the Laser Pickup. Do you remember the specs on the laser pickup? I have the same model SOSW-852S that you do. Was it an easy procedure? Can the replacement be done without opening up the computer?

Thanks in advance for any help,
Peter

 

Yes, please help regarding replacing the CD DVD part for our averatec computer. My daughter has inherited my computer (3270EH1) but the CD drive is random. Did you get instructions for replacing the part? Please send forward to me if you did.
Best to you and all your endeavors, Dan.

 

Replacing the CD/DVD drive seems like one of those warranty voiding operations that Averatec won't support, even if our computers are way out of warranty. As I was looking at mine, it looks like it might be quite an ordeal getting it open and replacing the drive. Hopefully, someone will give us the info on what part # and how difficult it is but until then, I'm probably going to get an external USB DVD drive.

 

I replaced the DVD drive on my 3270-EE1 with no fuss from the outside. Swapped outside cover w/old drive so it even looks original. No breaking of warranty stickers involved.

 

I think BigBanDan would like a few details as to which screws to remove etc. ... any hidden ones, anything to be careful when pulling at the drive, any wires to disconnect or cut and so on.

 

Yes, and a replacement part # would be awesome too! I was wondering if this would work to replace the drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827134303R&Tpk=SOSW-852s

 

The SOSW-852S is actually Liteon who make some of the burners with better-known names on them. You will see a couple more, and cheaper, burners if you look under Liteon. Even cheaper is this Samsung or this LG.


There is some useful info on swapping optical drives in this thread.

John

 

Thanks for the reply! Will those other drives use the same driver as the SOSW-852S? Are they the same driver with a different model # or slightly different with the same form factor?

 

As a test, I pulled out my drive with the greatest of ease. There are two screws (slightly smaller than the case screws) in the middle of the bottom of the computer. Open the drive, shut down the computer, remove the screws and gently pull the drive and it will easily slide out. Now all you have to do is find a replacement drive, change the faceplate, slide it in, replace the screws and it "should" be fixed! Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a new drive for sale other than eBay.

 

I installed an NEC ND-6650A drive a couple of years ago and it is still humming away.

Here's an EBay addy, sorry it isn't a link but I don't have enuf posts here yet:

shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_nkwZndQ206650aQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_mdoZQQ_sopZ12