Very slow optical drive - Win7 Pro x64

Sygate · 06 May 2010

Hi everyone,

I just registered to the forums as I came across you guys via Google trying to find myself a solution to my issue and from what I've read in other threads you all seem very helpful. I noticed another thread of very similar nature to this one but the solution didn't help me unfortunately.

The problem I'm having is my optical drive seems to be significantly under performing. I have only noticed this issue with 1 CD so far but I can assure you it is not a CD issue as it's scratch-less and still very new (Battlefield Bad Company 2).

When trying to install the game it appears to hang and not go anywhere, or so it seemed. After leaving it to run for several hours (~3 hours) it eventually installed.

I just upgraded my system,

From:
Motherboard: ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe/Wireless Edition
CPU: AMD AM2 X2 Athlon64 5000+ Black Edition @ 2912Mhz
Cooler: CoolerMaster Hyper TX2
GFX: Sapphire HD4850
PSU: CoolerMaster eXtreme Power Pro 650w
RAM: 4x 1GB Kingston DDR2 667Mhz Dual Channel
Storage: Seagate 250GB 7200RPM SATA-II
Optical: Asus DRW-2014L1T LightScribe 20X IDE
OS: Microsoft Windows XP Professional 32bit

To:
Motherboard: ASUS P6T DeluxeV2
CPU: Intel i7 930 @ standard clock speeds
Cooler: Noctua NH-U12P
GFX: Sapphire HD5870
PSU: CoolerMaster eXtreme Power Pro 650w
RAM: 3x 2GB Geil DDR3 2000Mhz Ultra Series
Storage: Seagate 250GB 7200RPM SATA-II & (System drive) Western Digital 1TB 7200RPM SATA-II
Optical: Asus DRW-2014L1T LightScribe 20X IDE
OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64bit

The drive seemed to install Windows and Motherboard drivers without any hassle, I have only experienced this issue when trying to install BC2 but like mentioned above I do not believe it to be a disc issue as I have tried my brothers exact same disc with the same result. Some have said this could be a RAM issue but I have not noticed any other symptoms supporting this theory but we all know dodgy RAM can do some weird and wonderful things.

The 250GB HDD has been recently reformatted (with the install of Win7) and the 1TB HDD is brand new which has also been fully formatted before use. I have tried installing the game to both drives with the same result once again.

Someone has recommended that I make sure DMA is enabled for the optical drive, my understanding is that this is a default setting and I have not changed it to be otherwise, I can check this if you guys believe necessary.

I just spent a bit of money on this system so I expect it to work, so yes quite irritated/disappointed at the moment

I built the machine myself but I have plenty experience in doing so.

Any help is GREATLY appreciated :)

Thanks.

not so gray matter · 06 May 2010

Go through the basic runthrough....

Go to the manufacturer's website and download the latest drivers
Remove the old w/ a Driver Remover
Restart
Install the new

Make sure that all connections inside the comptuer are secured and you have enough power coming from your power supply.

If all else fails, I'd RMA the drive if you can and buy a new one. Nowadays a DVD-RW drive is only $25 and with external hard drives being so cheap, no one really needs a Blu-Ray Writer. If you really need a Blu-Ray reader, you can get a decent one (8x) for $100.

BTW, Here's a Lite-On 24/12x DVD+/-RW w/ LightScribe for $23 w/ shipping.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106333

Specs:
+R - 24
+RW - 8
-R - 24
-RW - 6
CD-R - 48
CD-RW - 32
+R DL - 12
-R DL - 12

Sygate · 06 May 2010

Thanks for the quick reply.

I have monitored the power current and everything seems to be getting exactly what it needs with plenty to spare.

I've checked all connections already and even changed the IDE cable twice with no avail. I'll try reinstalling the device drivers when I get home from work and see if that helps, I'm somewhat doubting it though.

I understand DVD drives are cheap but I thought the idea is to fix a problem, not buy it out. However if proven to be faulty replacing it is no hassle.

What's your opinion on the RAM being faulty?

Thanks so far.

Sygate · 07 May 2010

Sorry to double post:

Problem seems to be resolved, while I've been at work trying to find out information about the issue I've been relaying everything I've found out back to my Dad who's at home today.

He tested the RAM with no problems. He then uninstalled BC2 and reinstalled it using one of his own SATA DVD drives and it installed in 10 minutes flat. A lot better than the ~3 hours!

So yeah looks like I'll be needing a new optical drive!

Thanks guys.