Keep getting "device not ready" message on CD_ROM

[jacatone]

On a friend's older machine running Win98FE, I keep getting a "device not ready" message whenever I insurt a CD. The drive opens and closes OK and say's it's working properly. Is there some setting I need to adjust? Thanks.

[AlwaysUp]

That CD-Rom may be toast. My brother's old Gateway was doing he same thing and that's what I ended up having to do. First check the ribbon cable to the controller to assure cable ends are firmly into the CD-Rom and the controller on the motherboard. But my money says your drive will need to be replaced.

[Panama Red]

I agree with AU, probably dead CD rom. Another thing to try before you dump it. Check the cable first, then Remove the CD from Device Manager and reboot. The system will find it again as New Hardware. If that doesn't do it, then buy a new one.

[GaryRouth]

. . . might want to hold off throwing away the cd-drive until after another drive has proven it can work with the current controller and cable . . . Then you can toss the old one. Or try the "old" (current) one in a different PC.

. . . if it's truly an ancient cd-drive, there are some that can't read some CD-R or CD-RW disks. So if you were testing with those, try with a retail CD & see if it can read that.

Replacement costs: CD-RW $20 / DVD/CDRW combo $70 / DVD - & + RW $100

. . . Gary

[AlwaysUp]

New CD-Rom drives can still be found on the net ....cheap! Google Sony CD-Rom and enjoy.

[AlwaysUp]

BLACK
http://www.mysimon.com/4014-3206-300...sony&tag=match

or
Beige
http://www.mysimon.com/4014-3206-202...sony&tag=match

[glc]

It just might need cleaning. You can get a cleaning kit which consists of a CD with little brushes on the bottom.