Hi All, A few days ago, my HL-DT-ST- DVD/CDRW GCC4242N combo II drive started to behave strangely. I could not play audio CDs; burn and open data CDs, and watch DVD movies. As my IBM ThinkPad T42 is still under warranty, IBM replaced the drive with a Matshita UJDA765 DVD/CDRW drive. The drive seems to be alright, but everytime I boot my system, the "Found New Harware" screen pops up. I try to install the drivers, but I always get a message to say that the hardware is not properly installed and may not function properly. The funny thing is that there is no yellow question mark against the drive in device manager! Under drive properties I have the following: 1. Driver Provider: Unknown 2. Driver Date: not available 3. Driver version: unavailable 4. Driver signer: not digitally signed. I have tried using this combo II drive in another T42, and as soon as I inserted the drive, the system automatically recognized the drive and installed the drivers. In mine, I always get his "Found New Hardware" pop up everytime!. It's wierd! Does anyone know if there a MATSHITA or IBM driver for this combo drive? I think the driver version is 5.1.2535.0 from Microsoft. The Lenovo and Matshita websites don't seem to have any infor on this driver. By the way, the drive has the latest firmware (version 1.70) and is made by Matsushita in the Phillipines. I plan to use Nero Reloaded 7.5.1.1 (Enhanced Version) as my CD burning software. Before I install this program and start using it, I want to make sure that the drive has no errors and is fully operational. I look forward to hearing from all of you. Cheers and best regards, Ranjit
Hi Ranjitrs You can try unisntalling the drive in device manager and rebooting. Since it works in another laptop - the problem may be a bad cable connecting this drive in the one it's giving you the 'may not function properly' message.
Hi Binkie 7, Thank you for your message. I have tried what you suggested, but still the "New Hardware Found Wizard" pops up. I feel the problem might be with the "New Hardware Found Wizard" itself in Windowws XP. The reason for this is because my wireless laser mouse which was working properly is also now being detected as a new hardware! Is there a fix for this? Cheers and best regards, Ranjit
Hmmm pc is acting a little wacky there. You now have 2 devices giving you the 'new hardware found'. Don't think it has anything to do with the wizard. Something is making it see it as new again. Now we are getting a little beyond me. Might want to start w/ what's changed pc wise since this staring happening. Update on any updates for the laptop from IBM?
Hi Binkie 7, Thank you for your message. Tried all that and still the same problem with the wizard. I thinking seriously of reinstalling XP. I guess it wil solve the problem, right? Cheers and best regards, Ranjit
Hmmm Yes that should solve your problem. Sorry to butt in, but I thought you could take a look at this If not, then if you are still under warranty you take it back to IBM before doing anything major, like reinstalling windows. Just a thought.
Thank you, Binkie 7 and Ripper, for your help and support to fix my drive problem. I have re-installed Windows XP and I have solved the driver issue. However, everytime I burn a data CD, I am unable to see the data in the CD when I go to Start-->My Computer-->DVD/CD Drive. Why is this so? I use Nero Version 7.5.7.0 and CD-R's from Imation. My system runs on Microsoft indows XP, and I have disabled IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service. Please advise. Cheers and best regards, Ranjit
Hi Ranjitrs Hmmm drive may need a firmware update if it's not up to date (even though it's new will depend on when it was manufacturered). In NeroToolKit>InfoTool check the drive tab. There is a field there for the firmware version. Looks like the latest is 1.70 You can check IBM's site for it or go here: http://forum.rpc1.org/dl_firmware.php?download_id=2270 By chance did you have simulation burn checked in error? When you right click on the drive if you pick explore or open still showing as blank? You could also post the last Nero log - just be sure to edit out the serial # - usually begin w/ 1A, 1C or 5C. They are located here: program files>nero>nero 7>core>nerohistory
Hi Binkie7, Thank you for your message. I have checked the firmware of the drive and it is the latest (1.70). What do you mean by "simulation burn checked in error"? Where would I find this information? Well, I can find the data now! Last night, I couldn't find the data soon after burning by double clicking the drive. It's wierd! Does this have anything to do with the media? Should I be switcing to Verbatim or TY? Cheers and best regards, Ranjit
Simulation burn is usually under the the burn tab. If you go to your Nero History log in the path above just do a control F and look for simulation to see if it was. (kinda doubt it though) Yes better media would be another option - for cd's use TY or made in Japan Maxell (usually made by TY). Verbatim cd's - at least where I am are made by CMC - not the greatest by far. Another opinion is take the burn speed down a notch or 2. Try isobuster and see if it can read the info on the disc. I just use the free version/options. http://isobuster.com
Hi Binkie7, Thank you for your speedy response. I checked the Burn tab and "simulation" is unchecked. When I dropped the burn speed from 24x to 16x and with "simulation" unchecked everything worked flawlessly. Thank you, Binkie7. I have to now get hold of some good CD's. Well, you say that Verbatim's are not that good, do you mean the Verbatim CD's made only by CMC? Which Verbatim CD's are good to buy? What markings should I be looking for when I go to the shops? Apart from Maxell (Made in Japan) and TY's, are there any others that are worth buying? Cheers and best reagrds, Ranjit
Hey Ranjitrs No problemo I didn't think you had simulation checked but figured might as well at least check Simulation is just a 'pretend/test' burn. You can have simulation and write checked at the same time. Nero will 1st try a simulation - if succesful will then start the actual burn. (still no 100% guarantee it will work) Yes the Verb cd's that are made by CMC aren't that good. The only ones I know that aren't made by CMC for their CD's are the 'datalife plus' ones. Would be on the label. Hard to find in my area. The only cd's I use any more are the TY's or mij Maxell's. They lastest the longest for me. A good reputable site online may be the way to go. edit: spelling
Thanks for the clarification, Binkie7. TY are not available in my area -- Verbatim CDs are available. I will look out for either the Verbatim Datalife Plus ones or the MIJ Maxell CDs in the shops. Cheers and best regards, Ranjit
