dell inspiron 5100, ive had it for 2.5 years, and the cd drive doesnt recognize any cd's anymore! i called dell and reinstalled the drivers but it didnt help either. when i insert a cd, the light comes on and flashes for a minute, and the computer sounds like its thinking about the cd, but then it stops and doesnt recognize it. if anyone knows what might be the problem, or can fix it, id be willing to pay for help. im not sure if its a problem that can be fixed or if i just need a new cd-drive. thanks!

10/25/2005 7:42:18 PM

it happened to my old inspiron 7500

basically the cable inside the cd drive has wear down to the wiring exposing the metal causing it to fail, in the past the only thing to do was to cover the exposed metal with a small piece of electrical tape, but it only lasted a couple more weeks before complete failure

if you're calling dell it mean it's under warranty, if so, replace the drive

10/25/2005 8:03:20 PM

sometimes the laser itself can be covered w/ crap. might want to try cleaning the lens before replacing. 2.5 years of use can soil any component.

10/25/2005 9:39:24 PM

do i get one of those cd cleaners or just go at it with a q-tip?

10/26/2005 11:31:04 PM

^you'll need a lens cleaning cloth (lintless), a q-tip will scratch it

10/27/2005 12:41:56 AM