PC failing to detect CDdrives

[dan neely]

My parents compaq is nolonger showing either of it's two cddrives in my
computer. When I opened Device Manager one was shown with an red error
flag, the second wasn't shown at all. As per the printed troubleshooting
guide I removed it and rebooted, but it didn't repair itself. I then
noticed a yellow flag on the 2ndary ide controller. Device manager
suggested a driver reinstall. I DLed vias latest 4in1 and installed it
unsuccessfully.

In the bios, both cddrives were marked with an asterisk, but since I never
looked at the bios previously and have no documentation I don't know if
that's normal for cddrives (HD and Floppy weren't *ed) or is trying to
inform me of a problem.

The machine is a 5000 series, model number 5WV280. later tonight/tommorrow
I'll reseat the cables, I'd do it sooner except I suspect I'll need to spend
an while blowing dust out and want to do it all at once.

[dan neely]

"dan neely" <danst31@pitt.edu> wrote later tonight/tommorrow I'll reseat the cables, I'd do it sooner except I suspect I'll need to
spend an while blowing dust out and want to do it all at once.

After playing with the cables, it looks like the RW is dead.

*sigh*

guess I'll need to start watching bestbuy/etc adds for almost free after
rebate drives.