DVD/CD-RW drive not working

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Nikilet

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Dell XPS 410 / Vista Home Premium SP2
TSSTcorp CDRWDVD TS-H493A

If I put a CD in that has data on it and then click on the drive to view data, the drawer opens and a window tells me to please insert data. If I put a blank CD in and click on drive the same thing happens. It appears it will neither read nor write.

I tried a Firmware update, tsst_ts493a_ib03.exe. When I run it the drive is listed so it appears to be recognized (?) but when I click on that Download File Open there is a file 493BD400.BIN and I end up with a message telling me that the Firmware is not compatible with the selected drive.

Is there anything I can do to fix and/or check this out? Please keep it simple because I'm no computer tech.

The computer also has a PHILIPS DVD-+RW DVD8881 that appears to be working.
 
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Ralston18
Fair question - no eye rolling.....

I probably should have been clearer about my "aversion" for lack of a better word.

I test using CD's that do not auto execute/ auto run - i.e., launch and start loading or doing things. You can also prevent launches from happening by holding down the SHIFT key while loading media or by disabling Auto Play. However, for me, that is just one more chance for "user error" via oversight or distraction.

I also use a CD or DVD media that is expendable if deleted or written to. Maybe during some AV issue being addressed. (Note: no longer buy just write once, read many media. All RW....) Writing to media is often a test as well.

If the Ultilities CD ROM just goes to File Explorer or maybe its own...
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Ralston18

Ralston18

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Is the CD readable in the Phillips drive ("appears to be working") or readable on another computer?

If so, and if the TSSTcorp fails to read other media, the drive is probably beyond further use. Especially so if the firmware appears to be not compatible.

You could try a driver update if you can find the applicable driver. If TSSTcorp no longer has the driver listed you may be out of luck.

You might find other sites listing the older driver software but I would be very cautious about downloading anything from such sites.
 
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Nikilet

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The Philips drive works.

I am puzzled about the other drive, the TSST. I just went into the Dell diagnostics (F12) and ran tests on this drive. Device Quick Check, Seek Test and Built-in Self Test all passed; on the Read Test it showed NA.

 
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Nikilet

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Yes. I put in my Hoyle Card Games CD for. Seems like it also called for a blank CD at one point that I put in. I ran about everything while I was in there and got passing across the board.

I have the utilities CD that came with the computer. Would that do any good? Also, somewhere I read something about clearing upper and lower filters, but no instructions on what this was about.

Seems strange that the diagnostics wouldn't have indicated a failure of some kind if the drive is no longer viable.
 
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Ralston18

Ralston18

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I generally avoid utilitity CD's that come with the computer.

Tend to load up a lot of "second string" products and lots of junk applications if you are not careful. Or reinstall older stuff.....

As for the diagnostics they too can be iffy. Not all failures are detectable, or at least maybe the nature of the failure. The diagnostic can only determine that the CD is unreadable but not that the laser or the sensor is the cause.

Here is a link regarding the "filters":

http://pcsupport.about.com/od/driverssupport/ht/upperfilters-lowerfilters.htm

I do not remember ever doing that sort of registry edit. Editing the registry can be risky so I would probably not bother especially for the sake of an old device. Barring some pressing need to get that specific drive operational. Then I would back up the registry, verify my recover process is in place, and carefully do the edits.

You could try cleaning the drive, but I also tend to avoid that other than gentle, straight line (center to circumference) wiping to clean a CD or DVD.

I.e., no laser lens cleaning solutions, etc.. I try to keep my computer environments clean to minimize paper scrapes, dust bunnies, hair, etc. that would get into the drive. Prevention focused.

But, for fun, you could try some physical cleaning and maybe get the drive working again. Failing that, if so inclined, you could dig deeper and take the drive apart for further inspection and possible repair. Unlikely the drive would survive or be recoverable - becomes a learning opportunity and experience for you.
 
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Nikilet

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Ok, everything you say makes sense. You are probably going to roll your eyes, but ... if you avoid utility CDs that come with the computer, what do you use, then, as a CD ROM for the computer?
 
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Ralston18

Ralston18

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Fair question - no eye rolling.....

I probably should have been clearer about my "aversion" for lack of a better word.

I test using CD's that do not auto execute/ auto run - i.e., launch and start loading or doing things. You can also prevent launches from happening by holding down the SHIFT key while loading media or by disabling Auto Play. However, for me, that is just one more chance for "user error" via oversight or distraction.

I also use a CD or DVD media that is expendable if deleted or written to. Maybe during some AV issue being addressed. (Note: no longer buy just write once, read many media. All RW....) Writing to media is often a test as well.

If the Ultilities CD ROM just goes to File Explorer or maybe its own menu and does not install anything without additional user input then the CD would be okay. But you need to know that beforehand and/or turn off auto. Or block via the Shift key during load.

But there can be times when you need autorun to work and perhaps do a restore or some other remedial action when the system may not otherwise boot. Then the utility CD is applicable and appropriate.





 
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