Disc drive not working

Mayfly · 27 Apr 2016

A few months ago I noticed my disc drive wasn't working - it isn't used much.

Place a disc in and it whirls and clicks then tells me to insert a disc. I've cleaned it but it's just the same. So I bought an external disc drive and that works fine so sorted my problem at that time.

I now have more time to try to sort the problem.

HP 4740s notebook, W7 professional. I have no idea when it stopped working, if was after an update or what. The device manager tells me the driver is up to date and is working.

It's not a great problem but I do like to try to understand why these things happen. Sorry the info is a little vague but any thoughts appreciated.

ICIT2LOL · 27 Apr 2016

Hello mayfly mate have you tried downloading the driver from the HP site because the Windows feature is not worth a light in my view?

You could try the chipset from here http://h20564.www2.hp.com/hpsc/swd/p...&swEnvOid=4057 but personally I would be replacing the drive as they are so cheap now - especially if it is making those noises - I know they do make some noise but usually not a great deal.

Just as a by the by the machine hasn't been dropped just lately because the internal workings of the optical drive are not that good at taking a severe shocks.

strollin · 27 Apr 2016

It's entirely possible that the drive simply failed.

Mayfly · 27 Apr 2016

Thanks for the replies. Yes it is possible tho' hardly ever used. Mind you I never had a good feeling about the laptop and the hard drive failed after 7 mths so it wouldn't surprise me, tho' I have to say the after sales service was superb.

As I said it's no biggy, more personal interest really.

ICIT2LOL · 27 Apr 2016

Yes mate I had an expensive Samsung 850 Pro die on me and only after a one use.

NOw if you have anything on that drive I have used this little ditty of mine before to retrieve stuff and for the cost of a CD and just trying it what are you going to lose?

RETRIEVE DATA WITH A BOOTABLE UBUNTU OS
Make a bootable Ubuntu disk/stick Download Ubuntu Desktop | Download | Ubuntu
Set the BIOS to boot from the optical when the machine boots it will show you a screen with TRY or INSTALL > select TRY not INSTALL
When it is finished - it takes very little time you will get a screen like in the pic .
Open the drive you want > User and dig down until you get to the data / settings you may be able to copy / paste the material you want to an external source or other installed drive doing this.
I am not sure if it will in your instance - but I have recovered tons of data etc using this method both on "dead" or just plain drives that you cannot get data from using Windows - logins etc . I like to use a CD as I am not keen on sticks but the second option will allow you to try out Linux if you so wish

and this
Emergency Kit - save your files from a dead OS

Now I find the Ubuntu is slightly easier to set up and both run in a non Windows environent which does away with any conflicts anyway see my pic of what Ubuntu looks like

If it doesn't work these are good little ways of retrieving data in the future and beside those other retrieval softwares.