Windows 7 - Major DVD Burner Issues

Hi,

Some of you might know of my problem with my DVD burner. Let me tell you and explain the situation and problem in full.

When in Windows 7 on my system specs computer, when I insert any disks, empty or not, most of them appear as if nothing was inserted. Although its strange, any disc with data does not show, but only a few empty DVD's showed up... I tried burning data to it, but then I cannot see it anymore. When trying to use the BIOS to boot up the Windows 7 retail disc, it fails, just keeps trying for 5 minutes then just moves on to boot up the OS on the Internal HDD. I have also tried booting up an Ubuntu 10.10 CD, which also results in the same issue. I then tried loading Ubuntu 11.04 from a USB stick, and then inserted the Ubuntu 10.10 CD. It worked and showed up. I then tried inserting the Windows 7 DVD, but nothing showed up. I also tried inserting some empty DVD's which, if I recall correctly, most showed up. This is driving me nuts as I need to use the DVD reader to install OS's, boot up Ubuntu, install games, app's ect...

Help and suggestions would be really appreciated.

Thanks,
Slasher

This sounds similar to a problem on my friend had on his desktop PC. He tried many different things; cleaning the lens, testing it in another PC, upgrading firmware, but in the end realised that it was broken & beyond repair and bought a new one.

So I should go and get a new one? If so, should I send it to HP and let them replace it themselves, or should I buy one and replace it myself (I'm not on warranty).

They're cheap to buy new these days, so getting a new one would be best IMO.

Could you suggest me a good quality one from Amazon? (BTW, I am using a laptop so I need a slimline...)

One other thing first, although getting a new one may be your only choice.

Remove and re-install your cables going to and from the burner and if you have another cable try it as well.

Its a laptop... Can I still do this?

As you talking about a Notebook, the bezel on the DVD drive will need to suit the HP notebook.

Maybe one of these, depending on the type of connector(SATA or IDE):
Amazon.com: Hp / Sony Ad-7581a Slim IDE 8x Dvdrw Burner w/ Lightscribe for Laptops - "Universal" Drive Fits Most Notebook Pcs: Electronics
Amazon.com: HP DVD/CDRW Combo Drive 394423-130 373315-001 UJDA765: Everything Else
Amazon.com: LG 8X SLIM SATA LightScribe DVDRW Burner GT20L: Electronics
Amazon.com: Hp / Sony Ad-7581a Slim IDE 8x Dvdrw Burner w/ Lightscribe for Laptops - "Universal" Drive Fits Most Notebook Pcs: Electronics
But they are not so cheap to buy as desktop DVD drives are.

Hi Slasher, I tend to agree with commodore pet post #6 It is just a case of undoing one screw on the underside of the laptop and gently prising the dvd drive out of its apperture and re seating it back in many times this as been proved to be the answer to this type of issue