CD/DVD drive replacement

My CD/DVD drive on the laptop is completely fucked. I mean it doesn't even read normal audio CDs, not too mention DVDs or software disks, or write, like it supposed to.

I've tried upgrading the drivers/firmware, but it hasn't changed a thing.

What are my options now? Replace it? Whats involved with that and how much is it likely to set me back?

probably not more than 70-80 for a DVD-writer.

cheaper for just a reader

that's for buying an external.

buying an internal might be more tricky depending on your laptop

laptop dvds (thin ones) are $$$ - you can get dvd writers for ~$50 if you can find an external case - not sure on price ($60?) but it means youll need to cart it round if you need it on the go. If its for home then not some much of an issue.

Or find a second hand one, theyre all the same really.

Only slimline one I can find on Ascent, CD Burn only, no DVD burn:

http://ascent.co.nz/productspecification.aspx?ItemID=364878

122+gst

http://www.gamedude.com.au/prod_show.php?art_no=cdSOad_7590s

about $95-125 for DVD burner in aussie. you could get somebody to buy you one and bring it over

Yeah, looks like I will need to buy an external one...

Fuck, this laptop lasted long enough tho.

I might have one spare for a reasonable price. pm me.

Actually, I just found one you can defiantly have for a very reasonable price.

DVD-RW tings.

How much guys?

PM me with your best offers.

Mates rates $40.

holly crap! Really?

Sweet bro. I'm down. It is an external one, right?

Oh nah, replacement internal.

Just pulled it out of a laptop with a dud screen.

I see. I need to investigate how much it would be to install it first bro.

I will get back to ya.

Bob, is yours an external one?

just push the little button on the side, slide the old one out, slide the new one in. It should cost you about zero dollars.

This laptop had one screw holding it in. It's simple.

Most don't have quick releases.

yeah mine is external 5.25" (normal computer sized).

The internal ones are all the same except sometimes the flashing/profile on the outside changes to fit the laptop. I assume you can take the bit of your existing one and screw/glue it on the new one.

If you want an external let me know - $50 for the external enclosure & dvd burner. Runs off a standard computer cord/plug (power supply is built into it).

Its an older version of this one i think (same brand): http://www.ascent.co.nz/productspecification.aspx?ItemID=335479

Sweet! Thanks guys.

I'll think about which one is a better option for me and get back to ya.

Usually just clips on and off, same as with a conventional drive.

bezel is the word you're looking for ^_^

Does it not need drivers and stuff kris?

nah pretty much all types of cd/dvd drives are identical.

Like ram theyre pretty much all made at a small handful of factories and just branded for the resellers.

haha, sweet.

But, if this is the case, is it possible for my problem with existing drive still be there when I fire it up with new hardware?

Sorry, I'm complete noob when it comes to hardware side of things.

your current drive is probably just fucked.

so, replacing the drive should fix that.

I think it's extremely unlikely that it's a driver/firmware thing

there's a slight possibility, but as neil said it's extremely unlikely.

i've seen hundreds of dead drives.

Sweet as bro. I might grab that drive off ya then. If you can give me a hand installing it, if you have a spare minute, I would appreciated it very much. I don't want to fuck it up.

Let's hope it works. It's pain in ass running my phone software off TVT's computer, where it doesn't have all my music/pictures etc.

Gravy.

Of course, you could have just downloaded the software, or copied the install files across the network

Oh man. Of course I could have downloaded...

Nevertheless, I need my CD drive back to write cds for my car.

CD's for car? CD drives at home .... fuck dude get with the times would ya!