Solved computer not reconizing usb dvd writer

[phoenixmark]

Bought a Samsung se-218 usb dvd writer. When I plug it in, the computer does not see it. The data light lites up and I can hear it spin. If I put in a disc, same thing. I've tried multiple discs with the same result. I tried it on another laptop with the same results. Both laptops are dells win7 pro 64bit computers. Am I missing something here, or should it be reconized when I go into explorer? Thanks.
Mark

 

[fireberd]

If it does not work in two computers I would suspect either the USB cable is bad or there is a problem with the drive.

Try a different USB cable and see if it works.

It has nothing to do with the PC's being Dell.

 

[phoenixmark]

Now, this has me perplexed. Came home and tried it on my other 3 computers, 2 it works, 1 it doesn't. Missing, corrupted, or damaged file on the 3 that it doesn't work on? I have no other problems on these computers except they do not reconize this drive. The ones that it does work on has a pop up message box saying installing driver software, device is now ready to use (or something like that). The computers it doesn't work on, I don't ever see this message box appear.

 

[fireberd]

Try this. Connect the drive to one of the PC's. Go to the Device Manager and display the USB section. Chances are there is an Unknown Device listed in the USB. If there is, RIGHT click on the entry and then LEFT click "Uninstall". Disconnect the USB drive from the PC and reboot the PC. After Windows starts, connect the drive and see if Windows finds new hardware and installs it.

If there is nothing in the Device manager, chances are the USB port does not have enough power for the drive. If you are plugging it into a front panel port (assuming its a desktop), try a rear USB port. If its a laptop and other USB devices are also connected, disconnect any other USB device in case other USB devices are limiting the available power and not enough for the drive.

 

[phoenixmark]

That did it. Thanks.