CD-RW spins but doesn't read disk

[beelover]

Hi; Yesterday I uninstalled an old antivirus to prepare for the new install. When I put the disk in the tray, it closed, started spinning, but then nothing...no introductory window, no error message. I brought the CD back to the store thinking there was something wrong with it and they gave me an exchange. Got home and the same thing happened. So I checked the device manager and my drive shows up there...seems OK. Then tried to update the drivers and got message that it wasn't needed. Called the store back and they suggested bringing in the tower, but they charge $50.00 just to look at it...parts and labor could be significantly more. Any suggestions? I'm starting to panic now that I don't have an antivirus program in my computer.

[snow]

Hello beelover,

 

Is this a Windows install disk you are trying to use?

 

Try inserting the disk, waiting until it spins up, and then opening 'My Computer'. Do you see the name of the disk under your DVD or CD drive? It should be a letter such as D: or E:

 

If it is there, try browsing it to see if you can access the files without issue.

 

Don't panic if you don't currently have an anti-virus. Temporarily, make sure that your computer is up to date using Windows update, don't browse to sites you don't know and trust, and don't run any new programs.

[beelover]

Thanks for the reply. No, it a Panda Antivirus 2010 disk. I did try the "my computer" route, the drive came up but couldn't browse. I don't know if it matters, but I have a Dell Dimension 4600 with 2 gigs of ram.

[snow]

Did an error appear when you tried to browse the drive?

 

Do you have another computer you could try the disk in, just to check that it works?

[Plastic Nev]

Hi, if the disk actually spins up to speed, but is not being seen or read it may be a faulty disk drive, but there is one thing you can try first. Have a look at this sticky thread and Gokus post number7-

 

http://extremetechsupport.com/forum/dvd-cd-rom-drives-and-printer-scanner-issues/4325-cd-dvd-drives-not-recognised.html

 

However, until you have the drive sorted and you can install the antivirus you have bought, have a look at our recommendations for the free ones as a temporary measure. You may, like myself, prefer a good free one such as Avast, and get your money back on the disk.

You can download and install them direct from the net, so no need for the drive.

have a look here-

http://extremetechsupport.com/forum/security-questions-av-firewalls-etc/3597-free-pc-help-recommended-security-products.html

[beelover]

No to both. It's especially frustrating not getting an error message...at least that might give me a lead.

[beelover]

Thanks, Plastic Nev....I will try your suggestions and let you know.

[Plastic Nev]

If the upper and lower filter trick doesn't work or help, have you looked inside and checked all connections too it?

The best way is power off, but leave plug in to retain an earth connection, then completely remove, then replace the leads plugged into the drive, both at the drive and also on the motherboard, do one lead at a time, this will make sure the connections are ok. If no luck after that I am afraid it may be the drive has died.

Can you remove it and try it on a different computer?

Nev.

[beelover]

Nev,

I checked the registry editor for the filters, but it's beyond my very limited experience. I couldn't find the keys for the upper and lower filters. I did open the tower and connections appear to be fine. I wanted to try to download the Fix CD Drive.reg but then I read that it could screw up other programs, so I'm hesitant to go forward. Also, I don't have another computer to test this on.

Edited October 31, 2009 by beelover

[Plastic Nev]

Hi, that "Fix CD Drive.reg" is actually an automated program that finds and deletes the problem filters. Goku is right to warn it can upset some programs, however it is extremely rare that it does so, and only on certain programs.

 

As yet there is no definite list of programs that may be upset, but on the rare off chance it does upset a program, you should have either the original disk if a bought program, or proof of purchase to be able to download a new version if downloaded from the net.

 

For all free programs, if corrupted, just uninstall the remains and re download a fresh one.

 

Have you looked at a free anti-virus to tide you over yet?

Nev.

[beelover]

Nev,

Yes, I downloaded Avast, so I'm a less worried about infections till I get this matter fixed. It's embarrassing how timid I am when it comes to computer fixes as it's not how the rest of my life is. Anyway, I will revisit the Fix CD Drive. Based on the posts, though, I'm not really clear how to get to it to download it.

[Plastic Nev]

Hi here is the link-

http://extremetechsupport.com/forum/images/bluedemon/attach/zip.gif Fix CD Drive.zip

 

And here are instructions to open it-

 

How to create and use compressed (zipped) folders in Windows XP

 

Scroll down the page to-

How to extract files from a compressed folder

 

Nev.

[beelover]

Thanks Nev,

I will try this today.

[beelover]

OK....I must be doing something wrong. I downloaded the repair CD file and followed the instructions on how to extract files from a compressed folder. I get an error message that says "This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Create an association in the Folders Option control panel." What next?

[Plastic Nev]

Hum, not sure about that error message, however Microsoft themselves have a similar procedure, just look at the "Fix it for me" section and click their link, here-

Your CD drive or DVD drive is missing or is not recognized by Windows or other programs.

 

if that fix works out correctly, but doesn't actually cure the fault, it may be the drive has died altogether, in which case you will need to buy a new one.

Nev.

[beelover]

Hum, not sure about that error message, however Microsoft themselves have a similar procedure, just look at the "Fix it for me" section and click their link, here-

Your CD drive or DVD drive is missing or is not recognized by Windows or other programs.

 

if that fix works out correctly, but doesn't actually cure the fault, it may be the drive has died altogether, in which case you will need to buy a new one.

Nev.

 

 

Well, when I saw the "Fix it for me" site, I was sure this would be the answer to my problem. Unfortunately, it doesn't actually fix your problem. Instead it gives you a list of what issues they found. Here's what it said:

 

Media is CD/DVD drive is not readable..............Yeah, this I already know

Class filter drivers are corrupt..........................OK, how do I fix it?!?!

Device filter drivers are corrupt.......................ditto

Device is not working properly........................You're kidding me, right?

Drive is disabled............................................Not according to Device Manager

Drive is not assigned a drive letter...................Do they mean the C or D, because it's

there in My Computer

 

Quite the let-down after all that. So, if I were to buy a new CD device, would it solve my problem altogether or could there be residual software issues that would still make it unworkable (is that a word?)

Nev, your help with this has been most appreciated.

[Plastic Nev]

I was under the impression that Microsoft page actually did the fix, obviously not, however it does tell me it is definitely the upper and lower filters corrupted.

OK we are going to have to do this the long way round as other methods don't seem like they want to work.

Please take great care and follow these instructions carefully as I am asking you to go into and edit the registry. If not sure of any point please stop and ask before going further.

 

Click Start, at the bottom left of screen, and then click Run.

In the Open box, type, or copy and paste,

 

regedit,

 

and then click OK.

 

Click the + next to each of the following:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SYSTEM > Current Control Set > Control > Class > {4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}

 

There may be a number of 08002BE10318 entries at this point.

Click on each until DVD/CD shows in the right pane.

 

please make sure that in the right pane it says specifically DVD/CD Drives .....probably at the top.

 

In the right pane, click UpperFilters.

It will be highlighted.

Click on Edit in the toolbar.

Click on Delete

Click Yes to confirm.

 

Do the same for the Lower Filters

Once done and exited, shut down the computer and let it reboot, Windows should then recreate new filters.

 

As I said, if not sure of anything let us know, and also let us know if you don't find anything resembling either upper or lower filters in there.

 

Nev.

[beelover]

Thanks Nev... I will give it a try tomorrow.

[beelover]

I'm back. Sorry it took so long.

I tried the steps you outlined above. I got as far as the right pane saying CD/ROM drives, but the words "upper filters" was no where to be seen. I also clicked on all the 08002BE10318 entries but no luck.

I'm pretty much ready to give up. I'm probably doing something wrong. Thanks for all your help, Nev. It was much appreciated.

[Plastic Nev]

Funnily enough, I also checked my own system and found only the lower filters on my system too. I am now in the dark myself about that, however my drives are working OK, so I will wait till someone who knows a bit more about this filters issue has a look.

Nev.

[RandyL]

The filter issue is caused by installing or uninstalling certain burning programs. In spite of what the fix reported or what device manager says I would try a different drive or try yours in a different computer. Error reporting on computers is far from an exact science. I've seen faulty drives do exactly what you describe.

[beelover]

The problem is fixed!! One of my guests for Thanksgiving happened to be a computer wiz and found out very quickly that someone in my family had tried to burn something on a CD but aborted before finished. That's what was preventing the drive from reading anything else. He fixed it in a minute.

Thanks to all of you who stuck with me on these posts!

[Plastic Nev]

Thanks for the update. That is another thing to think about when faced with a similar problem, so thanks for letting us know.

I dare say it is one of those things that If I had been sat in front of your computer, I may have found it right away as your friend did. However when in a remote situation as this is, it can so easily be missed. Thanks once gain,

Nev.