topic Re: DVD failure in PCs & Accessories

DVD failure

algy1 — Sun, 12 Mar 2006 16:20:13 GMT

I have a Vaio RS704, fitted with a Samsung DVD reader SD-616E, which no longer recognises when a DVD has been put in the drive. Can anyone tell me whether this is a driver or registry problem or will I have to get a new drive?

Re: DVD failure

Blencogo — Mon, 13 Mar 2006 00:31:00 GMT

Hi algy1,

Welcome!

Does it recognise CDs? What burning software do you use? Sometimes there is a conflict between Roxio and Nero which can be fixed by uninstalling Roxio.

Both your drives use the standard Windows XP drivers so if one works it does not look good for the other!!

Does the drive appear in Device Manager? If so is there an error against it?

You can try uninstalling the drive in Device Manager and rebooting to force Windows to reinstall the drivers but I'm not too hopeful

Re: DVD failure

jumpsuit — Mon, 13 Mar 2006 10:43:27 GMT

Uninstalling Roxio completely is not as easy as some may think....

Re: DVD failure

algy1 — Mon, 13 Mar 2006 22:18:56 GMT

Hi Blencogo,
Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, the drive is not recognising either CDs or DVDs. It shows up in Device Manager, and according to that is working OK, with up to date drivers. The second drive, a Sony DVD-RW is working fine, using the same drivers.

I'm beginning to get a bad feeling about this drive, and only two months out of warranty as well.

Re: DVD failure

rich912 — Mon, 13 Mar 2006 22:29:46 GMT

I'm beginning to get a bad feeling about this drive, and only two months out of warranty as well.

I am afraid that your fears are probably justified:smileysad:
If Device Manager is showing no errors and unistalling the dive, followed by a re-boot, has had no effect then I am afraid that there is little hope....
As a last ditch effort you could try cleaning the laser lens, but I doubt that this will solve your problem. Sorry to be the messenger of doom....

Re: DVD failure

kee-lo_ — Tue, 14 Mar 2006 16:04:00 GMT

What I'd love to know is why Sony carry on using them!?
Why not go for more reliable optical drives?

Re: DVD failure

dan_kwc1986 — Sat, 07 Oct 2006 16:18:39 GMT

I have the same problem with my VGC-RA204. My Samsung SD 616E stopped reading CDs or DVDs a while ago. When I load it in I can't hear it spin and read. I knew it would be a unreliable and cheap drive since day one. Makes a racket when it reads. Disappointed with Sony