Major problem with DVD Drive.

[MasterBlaster76]

Hi all, hope someone can help me with this. I was updating the firmware to one of my DVD drives (someone suggested it would help with playing films, as most of the time, the DVD drive refused to play them), when there was a power-cut right in the middle of the procedure, so the PC shut down during it. What's happened now is the PC isn't recognising the drive at all!! There is no longer an icon for it in 'My Computer' and I can't even get the damn thing to open, I've tried pressing the button to no avail and when I click on the shortcut to try eject that way, it just says that the path the shortcut refers to no longer exists! I've tried 'add hardware', but that didn't work. I've looked in the Device Manager and, to all intents and purposes, the DVD drive no longer exists, there used to be two entries in there and now there's only one!! Surely there's a way to get it back again, I hope so because this is my DVD-RW that's gone tits up and I don't really want to have to replace it, because my other drive is playing up, so I have to replace that first. I really hope someone can help me out here!

Many thanks in advance if someone can help!!

 

[Kshitiz_Indian]

You only have one choice I think - If its in warranty then send it.

 

[Abhas]

is it ejecting before windows loads up? Check whether is it showing in the BIOS?

 

[MasterBlaster76]

It isn't opening at all, but when Windows boots, the drive light flickers, as it used to do when it was working. The only one I can see in BIOS is the other one, the Sony one. So, since the light's still working that means the drive is still alive? So how do I get the PC to recognise it again?

MasterBlaster76 added 0 Minutes and 48 Seconds later...

You only have one choice I think - If its in warranty then send it.

Nope, it's not in warranty.

 

[Abhas]

Generally Firmware failures means that the device is not usable. Can you please give the link to the firmware update website? It might have some documentation regarding problems.

 

[MasterBlaster76]

If I can find it...

 

[Abhas]

What make is it?? I'll try to look for a solution

 

[Kshitiz_Indian]

If its not warranty then you're probably out of luck, I guess you'll need a new one or send it for repairs. Those guys can flash the firmware with external equipment.

 

[MasterBlaster76]

What make is it?? I'll try to look for a solution

It is an AOPEN DUW1608/ARR DVD-RW drive. I really appreciate your help, thanks mate and reps for you, whether it gets sorted or not

MasterBlaster76 added 2 Minutes and 3 Seconds later...

If its not warranty then you're probably out of luck, I guess you'll need a new one or send it for repairs. Those guys can flash the firmware with external equipment.

Here's a quote from another forum:

The light you see is the power light, that's all. If you flashed it through Windows, then there "may" be a very very very small chance that you can reflash it back through a DOS environment .. if that doesn't work or isn't an option from the manufacturer, then tell your buddy "Cheers you tool, it's now completely screwed and I need to buy a new one" .. cos by all intents and purposes, it's EFFED mate.!!

When he says 'reflash it through DOS' , what the hell does he mean?' Sounds like something I should leave well alone!

 

[Kshitiz_Indian]

Flashing from the DOS is only possible if the Drive atleast is detected by the computer - in this case its not so forget about it. Its probably time for a drive change.

 

[MasterBlaster76]

If I have to get a new DVD-RW, which makes would you recommend and which would you say 'leave well alone'? The local shop has some LG and Liteon ones in, I think.

 

[Kshitiz_Indian]

Liteon rocks - I've used them for 3 years without any problems. Go ahead with them mate.

 

[MasterBlaster76]

Thanks and reps for you as well.

Edit: Can't, need to spread the love first!!!

Edit: I should be able to install it myself? I've never done it before, is it tricky? Otherwise, I have to lug my PC down to the local shop (again).

 

[Kshitiz_Indian]

No probs about reps, I don't give help for getting reps.

 

[MasterBlaster76]

I wish I wasn't such a goddamn noob when it comes to fitting hardware!

Edit: My 'mate' owes me £20, it was his idea to update the damn firmware in the first place! Still, can you believe my luck, getting a damn powercut right in the middle of the process? Would've been alright otherwise...