Windows cannot read from this disk error message when trying to read CDs

[Stuart Bell]

Hi,

I am using Windows XP Pro at home here and just the other day I
received this message when attempting to read from a CD:

"Windows cannot read from this disk. The disk might be corrupted, or
it could be using a format that is not compatible with Windows".

Problem Description: I place a CD containing either data or music and
the error appears when clicking on the DVD-ROM drive in Windows
Explorer. The disk drive makes attempts at reading the disk to no
success.

I had this problem in Dec 2003, but the problem disappeared with no
reason.

My drive is a TOSHIBA DVD-ROM SD-C2502. This problem has only just
happened recently.

Trouble Shooting Steps: I tested a DVD disk instead and this was read
perfectly well. There only seems to be an issue with the CD-ROM part
of the drive.

I notice that there are a lot of people with this problem, surely
someone out there knows what can cause this problem? So, please
please please let me know and it is really frustrating.

Thanks and regards,


Stuart

 

[Guest]

Some more self testing could benefit.

Do you have any Application CDs? If so insert any one and see if it is readable.

Do you have a music CD, insert that and see if it plays.

If these two steps are performed successfully, then the other CD is damaged.

If nothing else works then your CD player is damaged, you may be able to revive it with a CD Lens Cleaner.

 

[Colin Cogle]

Hi,

I am using Windows XP Pro at home here and just the other day I
received this message when attempting to read from a CD:

"Windows cannot read from this disk. The disk might be corrupted, or
it could be using a format that is not compatible with Windows".

Problem Description: I place a CD containing either data or music and
the error appears when clicking on the DVD-ROM drive in Windows
Explorer. The disk drive makes attempts at reading the disk to no
success.

I had this problem in Dec 2003, but the problem disappeared with no
reason.

My drive is a TOSHIBA DVD-ROM SD-C2502. This problem has only just
happened recently.

Trouble Shooting Steps: I tested a DVD disk instead and this was read
perfectly well. There only seems to be an issue with the CD-ROM part
of the drive.

I notice that there are a lot of people with this problem, surely
someone out there knows what can cause this problem? So, please
please please let me know and it is really frustrating.

Thanks and regards,


Stuart

This isn't a Windows problem, but probably a hardware issue. Likely
it's either (a) need new firmware, or (b) dirty/damaged CD lens.

(a) Check for a firmware upgrade for your drive. The drive
manufacturer's web site should tell you if there's an updated version
available. And MAKE SURE YOU GET THE PROPER FIRMWARE! Match the model
numbers exactly, or you'll end up with a motorized cup holder.

(b) Dirty lenses can be cleaned with lens cleaners. Damaged lenses need
to be replaced by Toshiba (if it's under warranty) or you (if not, or if
you don't want to live without your drive for a week or two).

If all else fails, ask Toshiba. They're the drive's manufacturers and
should know a lot more about your drive than we do.

 

[Stuart Bell]

This isn't a Windows problem, but probably a hardware issue. Likely
it's either (a) need new firmware, or (b) dirty/damaged CD lens.

(a) Check for a firmware upgrade for your drive. The drive
manufacturer's web site should tell you if there's an updated version
available. And MAKE SURE YOU GET THE PROPER FIRMWARE! Match the model
numbers exactly, or you'll end up with a motorized cup holder.

(b) Dirty lenses can be cleaned with lens cleaners. Damaged lenses need
to be replaced by Toshiba (if it's under warranty) or you (if not, or if
you don't want to live without your drive for a week or two).

If all else fails, ask Toshiba. They're the drive's manufacturers and
should know a lot more about your drive than we do.

Hi Colin,


Thanks very much for your feedback to my problem. I have a couple of
questions to clarify the situation:

a) what is firmware exactly? Is this a fancy new term for a driver?

b) if it is firmware/driver related, how come it worked one week and
then not another?

c) my next step was to get a lens cleaner, however any reason why it
would work with a DVD and not with any data or audio CDs?

d) have you experienced this problem too? It seems quite common with
Win XP users, which is why I thought it was related to that. However,
I can't even access the drive outside of Windows (ie in DOS). What
was your own resolution if you did experience this?

e) I have emailed Toshiba and Dell (as it came with my Dell laptop), I
have the 3 year onsite assistance with Dell, so my last resort is to
call those guys out (I know that is not a question).

Thanks again.


Stuart

 

[Colin Cogle]

Hi Colin,

Thanks very much for your feedback to my problem. I have a couple of
questions to clarify the situation:

a) what is firmware exactly? Is this a fancy new term for a driver?

Firmware is the software internal to the drive. Think of it as the
drive's BIOS. Drivers are the software that interfaces with the drive.

b) if it is firmware/driver related, how come it worked one week and
then not another?

Unless the driver files were somehow modified by you or another program,
then it might not be firmware/driver related at all. Sorry.

c) my next step was to get a lens cleaner, however any reason why it
would work with a DVD and not with any data or audio CDs?

The laser emits different wavelengths of light when reading CD's than
when reading DVD's. Dirt on the lens could potentially block one of
these wavelengths. I've also heard of some older drives that have
separate lasers for reading CD's and DVD's.

d) have you experienced this problem too? It seems quite common with
Win XP users, which is why I thought it was related to that. However,
I can't even access the drive outside of Windows (ie in DOS). What
was your own resolution if you did experience this?

I didn't experience this, though I have seen this happen often. If you
can't access the drive outside of Windows, then a software issue is out
of the question. Either you have a loose cable or your drive is now a
cup holder. Check the cables. Are they loose or torn? I've
experienced torn IDE cables, though.

If you're in DOS, did you remember to load the device driver in
CONFIG.SYS and load MSCDEX? Your CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files for
DOS mode should show the following for initializing an ATAPI device:

<config.sys>
DEVICEHIGH=C:\SOMEDRIVERFILES\CDROMDRIVER.SYS /D:MSCD001

e) I have emailed Toshiba and Dell (as it came with my Dell laptop), I
have the 3 year onsite assistance with Dell, so my last resort is to
call those guys out (I know that is not a question).

Onsite assisstance is expensive. Do as much testing as you can before
the technician arrives and make sure you keep details. The technician
is probably trained to take forever and rack up that hourly rate