CD Rom disappeared

[Guest]

My CD Rom until 2 days ago was acting eratically then all sign of it
didappeared in Xp -
1. shortcut on desktop
2. no sign in 'my computer'
3. it shows up on the 'computer information' in Accessories - status ok
4. when you insert a disc the small disc appears next to the mouse pointer
and the CDrom purrs
5. contacted Dell and the diagnosis showed that the drive was operational
but not recognised by Xp
Where to now?

 

[Jone Doe]

My CD Rom until 2 days ago was acting eratically then all sign of it
didappeared in Xp -
1. shortcut on desktop
2. no sign in 'my computer'
3. it shows up on the 'computer information' in Accessories - status ok
4. when you insert a disc the small disc appears next to the mouse pointer
and the CDrom purrs
5. contacted Dell and the diagnosis showed that the drive was operational
but not recognised by Xp
Where to now?

Well, Ive never had that particular problem, but here is what I would do if
I did.

My Computer. R click the CD drive icon, than choose 'Properties' (Since
you can't do this, perhaps you can R click where ever it does show up, and
do it from there.)

Go to the hardware tab, what does the 'Status' say? Even if it indicates
it's working properly, I would still click the 'trouble shoot' button and
let it do it's thing.

If you don't get it working that way, shut down, remove power, open the
case. Remove all the cords going to the CD drive, and leave them unplugged.
Boot up. The computer will not not recognize the removed drive. Shut down.
Plug everything back in, making sure there are no bent contacts on any of
the connectors, and that they fit together well. If there happens to be a
spare connector, you might try that.

Boot up again. Perhaps there will now be a "New hardware" detected message.
If so, follow the steps to install your 'new' CD player. Just maybe...

And of course, do a back up (or with XP set a restore point) so you can get
it back the way it was in case of failure.