CD RW problems on a Compaq 1

[threedoves]

Hello.
I have been working on a friends computer. She has a Compaq model number 5726. It's got a 600 mhz processor and over 300 mg of Ram. Now this thing has been updated and revamped as far as it will go. It had the original CD/Dvd reader (not writer) replaced as the first was bad. I have put 3 different burners in there and have tried both Roxio and Nero for software to burn and this thing will not burn anything other than data CD's.
And only very occasionally at that!
This friend is frustrated because it doesn't work and I'm wondering if the problem is that it's not original Compaq equipment. Would it be better to use an external burner?
The drive IS recognized in "My Computer".
I am out of ideas past this..... can someone help me work it out?
Naturally, the machine is NOT under warantee.
Thank you so much,
Kathy

 

[TekTippy4U]

Try this
Right click My Computer>properties
Go into Device Manager and check under the Hard Disk Controllers (specifically the PCI Bus Master IDE Parent)..and make sure under the "Settings" tab...."Dual IDE Channel Settings" says "Both IDE Channels Enabled"
and while your there look for any "Yellow" exclamation points.....
also hit the "Performance" tab...and see if it's(the file system) using "MS DOS compatability mode"..or it says "Your syatem is configured for Optimal Performance"

TT4U

Notification:
These are just "my" thoughts....and should be carefully measured against other opinions....I try very hard to impart correct info at all times.

 

[TekTippy4U]

Is the BIOS set to "Auto" under All Primary and Secondary IDE devices....?
Are you plugging in the plug on cable.....?
Are you adjusting the jumpers on the drive appropriately....?

How many HDD and CD's and CDRW's.....

Is the CDRW using DMA....
Go into Device Mananger and double click on the CDROM to expand....
It should be listed the first one from the top as CDROM
Then double click on the CDRW (it has to be listed here)....and click the "settings" tab ...see if the "DMA" box is checked...if not, check it.

TT4U

Notification:
These are just "my" thoughts....and should be carefully measured against other opinions....I try very hard to impart correct info at all times.

 

[threedoves]

Is the BIOS set to "Auto" under All Primary and Secondary IDE devices....? Yes
Are you plugging in the plug on cable.....?yes
Are you adjusting the jumpers on the drive appropriately....?yes, CD is set to Master, CD Burner is set to slave. (owners choice, as the CD is faster)

How many HDD and CD's and CDRW's.....1 40 gig WD HDD, 1 CD, 1CDRW

Is the CDRW using DMA....I'm not sure......but sure will check!! Thank you!!
Go into Device Mananger and double click on the CDROM to expand....
It should be listed the first one from the top as CDROM
Then double click on the CDRW (it has to be listed here)....and click the "settings" tab ...see if the "DMA" box is checked...if not, check it.
I've heard about DMA before, but truthfully don't understand what it is and if it's important.
Thank you so much for your help. And I will check into the other tips from your other post!
Is this group always this helpful??
I'm staying then!!
Kathy

 

[TekTippy4U]

Your very welcome;
and yes..it's pretty polite around here for the most part

DMA is Direct Memory Access ....and does exactly what it says...and it's extremely important for the IDE devices.....if either/any IDE devices aren't using it...No Good!
DMA allows the device to basically bypass the CPU and the ever clogged FSB(Front Side Bus) and read right from memory....
I would definitely put the CDRW as Secondary Master and CDROM as Slave.......as it doesn't matter speed wise "where" along the cable the device is.......and as your finding out....there are many other things that can go wrong....

Also check the BIOS UDMA(Ultra DMA) settings and make sure the HDD(Primary Master) is using that...it's probably UDMA/66 on that machine once you change configuration....
oh yeh..and the jumpers



TT4U

Notification:
These are just "my" thoughts....and should be carefully measured against other opinions....I try very hard to impart correct info at all times.