Strange CDR/DVD Player problem..

[Princess Turandot]

several months ago, I had to reinstall Windows XP, because of a hard drive failure. I have a Plextor 708 cdr/dvd reader/ writer installed in the computer. It uses Windows included drivers.

Upon inserting a cdr, the computer sees the disk but always believes it to be blank, even when it is not. So, no files appear in an Explorer window of the drive. However, if I launch an app which would often involve use of the player, such as Windows Media Player, then open the cdr via the app, its contents suddenly appear both in the File>Open box and the explorer window! The cdrs will function normally in my other computer.

I've tried uninstalling the device via device manager and then 'adding' it again but that does not cure the problem. Any thoughts about what else I could try?

[ChromeFoundry]

1. According to the user manual, the drive can perform a self-test...

Using the Self-Test Diagnostics
The PX-708A contains a set of self-test diagnostics that can help isolate trouble and determine if a problem is in the drive or elsewhere.

NOTE: Using the self-test diagnostics requires opening the computer and removing a cable from the drive, then replacing the cable at the end of the test. If you previously installed the PX-708A in your computer, you should have no fear of the simple procedures that are required. However, if you’re are not comfortable with opening your PC and disconnecting cables, you may want to let someone with more experience handle this aspect of troubleshooting for you.

To perform the tests you’ll need:
• Tools to remove the computer’s cover
• An extra jumper (supplied)
• A blank piece of Plextor-recommended DVD+R, DVD-R, or CD-R media.

The self-test will write to this media, so you won’t be able to use this disc again.

Performing the Self-Test
This tests three functions of the drive: writing at maximum speed, continuous playback at maximum speed, and random access.

To perform the self-test:
1. Turn the computer’s power OFF, unplug it from its power source, and open the computer to gain access to the rear of the PX-708A drive. Typically, this involves loosening or removing several screws on the back panel of your computer and sliding off the cover.

CAUTION: Before you attempt to open your computer be sure to properly ground yourself by wearing an anti-static wristband. This will help prevent static damage to your computer system.

2. You should be able to see the back of the PX-708A drive connected to the ATAPI cable, power connector, and, optionally, an analog sound cable.

NOTE: You may have to remove the drive from the computer to perform the next two steps.

3. Hold the ATAPI cable at or near the base of its connection to the PX-708A drive. Carefully remove the ATAPI cable from the drive by pulling the cable gently rearward.

4. Note the position of the mode jumper at the rear of the PX-708A. A jumper will be installed on either the CABLE SELECT, SLAVE, or MASTER position. Write down this jumper position. (You’ll need to replace the jumper after the test.)
Then:
• If the jumper is on the MASTER position, move it to the SLAVE or CABLE SELECT position for this test.
• If the jumper is on the SLAVE or CABLE SELECT jumper, leave it in place.
• The position of the DMA jumper (on or off) doesn’t matter. Don’t change it.

5. Install an extra jumper so that both the CABLE SELECT and SLAVE positions are jumpered.

6. If you removed the drive for access to the cable and mode jumpers, slide it back into the computer and connect the power cable to the drive.

7. Replace the computer’s cover and re-connect the computer’s power cord to the power source.

CAUTION: Turning on the computer power without first replacing the cover can be dangerous to the computer’s components and also to you. Be aware of the danger of electric shock and do not touch any
components inside the computer.

8. While pressing the eject button on the PX-708A, turn the computer power on. The LED indicator blinks green, then amber, and the tray ejects.

9. Insert a blank Plextor-recommended DVD±R or CD-R disc. Be sure to use only media of the type recommended by Plextor.
• If the LED indicator blinks amber three times, the loaded disc is not a blank DVD±R or CD-R disc. Remove the disc and insert a blank, Plextor-recommended DVD±R or CD-R disc.

10. The drive begins the diagnostic routine. Upon completion of the diagnostic, you see the results:
• If there was no problem, the disc is ejected automatically.
• If there was a problem, the disc is not ejected, and you see the LED indicator blink green. One green blink indicates a write or read error. Two green blinks indicate an initialization error.

11. If the disc was not ejected automatically, press the eject button to
eject the disc.

12. Turn off the computer power.

13. Reset the mode jumper at the rear of the PX-708A to its original setting as noted in Step 4 above. Also, remove the extra jumper you installed.

14. Reconnect the IDE cable to the PX-708A drive. If you removed the drive to gain access to the cable or jumpers, replace the drive in the computer. Then replace the computer cover. If you discover a problem with the PX-708A drive, do not attempt to service the drive yourself (You'll burn your eyes out, kid!)

What the Self-Test Results Indicate
• If a drive passes the self-test, then the drive’s operation is OK.
• If the drive fails the self-test, in some cases the problem may be caused by the media. Try the self-test again using a different brand of DVD±R or CD-R media; if the drive passes the self-test this time, the drive is OK.

[paparush]

2. Princess, have you tried updating the device's drivers?

Allow XP to search the web for updated drivers.

[RC]

3. I had the same problem with a Plextor.

One day it just didn't work. Same problem as yours. I replaced it with a Best Buy special. No problems since. Drives are cheap.