-----Original Message-----
I cannot get the computer to recognize the CD writing
drive.I have uninstalled and reinstalled, downloaded
Sony/ Microsoft updates. Nothing helps. Everytime I try
to write pics or music to CD, I get an error message that
either the CD Drive is not detected or that I need to
insert a CD. I have tried 2 brands of CD-R.Sony says they
may have to replace the drive, but I am hoping for
another solution.
Thanks.
.
If it is both read and write, and you're not trying to
write to DVDs, ot trying to burn at x44 on a x 24 disc -
see below-
If it is just write - you need to format the disc using
software - I use "CD writer" direct Cd 5.0 and have no
problem - it automatically asks if it finds a balnk disc
in a writer, I use "cd copier" and it acts like there is
no disc. Some of the earlier burner software couldn't
figure out it needed to format blank discs - it assumed
you would tell it.
so if it is a later version, turn off your virus stuff
and uninstall the software, turn off any readers-writer
programs you recognize (ctrl-alt-sel, applications, look
at the list) and re-install the writing software..
Write-only-problem is most likely a software thing -
Some wizards do the format automatically and some just
sit there mute and expect you to have done it.
hardware - if the above does not fix it -
check and recheck that the cable is in properly - pin 1
to red-side pin 1, and that the master and slave settings
are correct - read the pin key at the jumper as well as
on the box, and check that a pin wasn't turned when the
jumper was put on.
then check the cable again for proper pin location both
ends - and the middle - and do NOT trust the slot in the
ribbon cable connectors - all three of them - to be
accurate.
check the drive alone, without the old cd also on the
cable
replace the old ribbon cable with the new cable and check
the drive, and vice versa and check the drive.
and check the drive model number on the drive itself and
load the hardware to that model using select driver
manually.
As to discs - cd-writers (old HP was like that) that use
only 74 minute cds cannot see 80 minute cds (these are
older ones - most do both).
If you can find an old 74 and it works, and the 80
doesn't,
