Unable to format or write to cd-r/rw

[Andy71SS]

This started many months ago. This started to fail (at first intermittently) when attempting to backup Quicken I would get "unable to backup, write protected" message. So then I created a folder on the C drive would do backups to it then copy files to cd. That worked for a while then quit. So thinking the writer had gone south I purchased the Sony CRX230AD CD-R/RW unit. Still couldn't write, different msg though. It does read what is on the cd. Removed Sonic software (maybe it got corrupted) installed Nero6 with all upgrades. Now we are at the present time. Checked everything, looks good. What happens now is with a known good cd-r/w:
1. Attempt to copy files to cd-r/w, the drive light comes on, stays on. Do a ctrl/alt/del and check applications and I have "not responding". Attempt to end task is futile the only thing left is to pull the plug.
2. Attempt to quick format get "bad disk msg".
This is not a post XP SP2 upgrade.
What the heck is missing or bad?
Have not tried a cd-r cd
I've been to the Sony, Nero, Windows, and Dell site, no luck.
Losing it,
Andy

 

[bf0x]

Try replacing the ribbon cable and/or swapping cables on the motherboard side in the IDE ports. It may be nothing to do with software and the cable going bad. Anything is always worth a try.

 

[Andy71SS]

Just tried replacing the ribbon cable from the motherboard to the cd drives. Sony supplied a cable with the drive. Things went down hill. On powering it back up got a msg that the secondary drive wasn't recognized. After boot up checked "My Computer" and neither cd drive was even shown. Back to the old setup, same problem (looks like it wasn't a reseat problem).
This Dell 8300 didn't like the cable looks like I'll just have to order a new cable from Dell.
Is there anything else I could try while waiting for a cable like checking the sys on boot up before Windows starts or boot up in safe mode? I'm not getting any information out of the event viewer that I can see.

 

[Andy71SS]

Thanks for your help, it works now. I think a new ribbon cable took care of it but there is more to it. When you try so many things your not sure what turned out to be the exact fix.
The original cable had a notch taken out, looks like it was for pin 27.
Things would not work at all with the cable that came with the new drive.
Checked out the original CD-r/rw on another pc and it worked, so it was always good.
I did get a hold of a ribbon cable from another Dell.
So I replaced the cable and reinstalled the old drive.
There is one thing that still puzzles me and that is in properties for the drive in "recording" I had to check the box "enable cd recording on this drive".
I did get a msg from Incd saying that there is a change and may effect the performance of the program.
So far OK.
Don't like to say bad things about companies but the Dell online tech help was worthless, it appears they don't even read what your problem is in detail just blame it on bad or dirty cd's.
Thanks again,
Andy

 

[micker377]

Dell's often have their own cables to match their motherboard.

 

[Sympology]

Dell's often have their own cables to match their motherboard. "
Mmmm smacks of Compaqs in the 80's / 90's, aka please pay 50x retail price for this minor part that was rubbish in the first place, but you can't do without..errm so a man down the pub says anyway.

Stu..

Only the truly stupid believe they know everything.
Stu.. 2004