This topic is relevant to all three technical forums, still... Last week my DVD-drive (Toshiba SD-M1712) 'lost' it's DMA. I first noticed it in Windows, where the drive was present, but only PIO was enabled. I uninstalled the secundairy IDE channel, but after a restart the problem persisted. After this I checked the BIOS. The DVD-ROM drive was not found in the MAIN menu (slave/master etc.) as the primairy slave on [AUTO]. If I manually selected [CD-ROM] the DMA settings would show up, but the computer wouldn't start because the primairy slave wasn't detected. After changing this back to [AUTO] the drive was again detected in Windows, but only capable of PIO-mode. Concerning the BIOS: The DVD-drive was detected in the BOOT menu where it was listed under atapi CD-ROM, but like I said not in the MAIN menu! Also, my DVD-ROM made a strange 'swish' sound at the startup which it didn't make before the trouble started. I tried an 'update' of my motherboard (ASUSupdate), didn't work. I tried a re-install of Windows XP, didn't work. I tried removing the second IDE controller in Windows, didn't work. I tried installing a brand new DVD-ROM (Plextor PX-130A), didn't work. It made the same 'swish' sound as the Toshiba drive. At this time, ALL my DVD-drives aren't detected! The only thing recognized in the BIOS on [AUTO] is the Harddisk. I can start Windows, everything works OK, but my DVD-drives are gone. My question is: Could there be something wrong with the cable, of is it more likely to be motherboard related (IDE channels)? If the last one is most likely: can I fix this some way, or do I have to buy a new motherboard? Some information: ASUS A7V333 motherboard Toshiba SD-M1712 or Plextor PX-130A DVD-ROM Plextor PX-716A DVD-RW-drive Windows XP SP2 - The settings in my BIOS are THE SAME as before this problem occured. Only changes are the [AUTO] detection of the primaire/secundairy slaves/masters in the MAIN menu, and the detection of atapi CD-ROM in the BOOT menu. If anybody can give me some idea how to fix this...
It could possibly be the ribbon cable. Try a new one. If that doesn't work, it could be the opticals themselves, the configuration of those opticals (jumpers), or the Secondary Ide connection on the mobo could be dead. BTW, with that Plextor 716A, make sure that you are using an 80 wire, 40 pin cable.
I can rule out the opticals. The Toshiba DVD-ROM and Plextor DVD-RW have worked for quite some time now, and even a brand new Plextor PX-130A didn't do anything. The jumper settings are also OK... This leaves: - IDE cable: I've used one I had in stock. It is 80 wire/40pins, but I don't know if it is 'shielded'. The cable did work for quite some time without problems. I heard the wear on these cables is pretty hefty, is that right? - IDE controller: This could also be it. However, my secondary master (Plexwriter) WAS still recognized with DMA enabled. My Toshiba was also recognized, but had no DMA. And in Windows hardware management it is also listed correctly. Is such a controller replacable? Of do I have to buy a new motherboard? - Motherboard: Could also be the reason. Everything else works fine though. Just having trouble with the optical drives. Trouble is I have a Socket A, which is not being sold by local stores anymore! Anyway, since it is the cheapest solution I'm gonna try a new IDE cable first...
Yes to both. I've just hooked my drives up to a new IDE cable. This time my secundary master is back (with DMA enabled), but my primary slave is still not being auto-detected. Well, it's better than nothing. If I have more cash I'm going to buy a new motherboard. Until then I'll just have to use my Plextor DVD-writer to make copies.
