dvd +/- r probs

Computer Forum Storage Devices
1

hi,

I have a dell dimension pc, noticed lately that i am having problems with the optical drive.The drive always indicates that the total size is 537mb! this is even when i insert a dvd which i know is alot bigger.I can insert a cd/dvd and it will autoplay no probs or if it dont i double click on the icon and it begins, however if i try to open or explore i drive i get no response what so ever, i cannot look at what is on the disks??? any one got anyideas this is racking my brains, thanks in advance:confused:

2

Has there been any recent change in your PC’s set-up?

Or has it literaly changed overnight? Does this happen with any CD/DVD or just with some types of media? Can you explore pre-recorded CD/DVD?

Could be that your drive need a firmware update/upgrade.

3

[QUOTE=sabashuali]
Has there been any recent change in your PC’s set-up?

Or has it literaly changed overnight? Does this happen with any CD/DVD or just with some types of media? Can you explore pre-recorded CD/DVD?

Could be that your drive need a firmware update/upgrade.
[/QUOTE]

Firstly thanks for replying,

The only recent change in the pc setup that i can think of is that i fitted a 5 port usb2 pci card and that seems to be working okay. As for a firmare update there dont seem to be one available. The drive is :HL-DT-ST DVD +/- RW GWA4164B.

This problem did just seem to happen overnight, i inserted a disc to open and it would not let me do so, this happens on all cds and dvds pre-recorded, originals and blanks.

anymore ideas?

4

I am not sure what could be the problem.

Maybe updating the ASPI driver helps?
You can download the driver package here:
http://download.adaptec.com/software_pc/aspi/aspi_v470.exe
Once downloaded, unzip to a location, brows to the location and install the driver.

If you want to read about it before, try here - Bart's page about ASPI

Otherwise visit the BIOS to see if any obvious settings have been altered?

As for firmware, your drive, I think, is an LG drive. You can always check it by running everest to confirm the make and model. Normaly Dell will have a list of drivers/firmware for your particular system on their site. You will need the service tag from the side of your PC case (normaly a 5 letter code).

Enter it here - http://support.euro.dell.com/support/downloads/index.aspx?c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&l=en&s=dhs

And follow the links.

See if any thing is available for your drive.

5

Well it seems your burner is a Hybrid between LG and Hitachi made for Dell computers.
I’ve checked around and there is currently no firmware update that i can see, so your going to have to contact Dell on this matter i think :slight_smile:

6

hi,
ive installed the aspi drivers as stated above and this still hasnt helped. Strange this one, if go to command prompt through windows and select the drive and browse it i can see all the files and dir’s, but i cant in windows???
very odd, hope that helps