Laptop problem-help

[RaTix]

Go into the BIOS and see if the system itself recognizes it.

Getting to the BIOS is different on each system. Usually it's either Delete, F1 or F2 key on the first Dell/HP/Whatever splash screen that comes up. It will say Press "specific key" to enter SETUP.

Once in the bios it might be listed on the first page with the devices connected. Look for anything labeled CD/DVD ROM.
You might have to do into "Standard CMOS settings" or "Devices" section to find it. Just look for a section that lists IDE or SATA, or Devices, or anything along those lines.

Some Examples





If it cannot even detect it in here, the Drive is shot and you'll have to get a new one. They tend to go without any warning. Usually every year or two you'll find yourself replacing them.

http://www.newegg.com

They have cheapest prices for parts. DVD Burners really aren't that expensive.

[cmj75]

Thanks Ratix...I will try that next...although those screen shots made my brain explode...LOL

[cmj75]

We'll now the laptop won't come on....wth
Went to turn it on...blue light comes on ...fan running....nothing else
Oh except that I can eject the cd/DVD rom now ...seriously!?!

[cmj75]

Tried the static test and didn't work
Only light that comes on is the power one, the other light that shows processing something goes for a split second then nothing
The fan is really light though so it might not "really" b on
I am f'd aren't i

[nd32479]

I find in these situation the best approach is to throw it, kick it, or hit it with a hammer. If that does not work, then I think it will be time to get a new one and blame the laptop breaking on the kids or wife.

[RaTix]

Take the battery out and leave it out. Plug in the power cord and see if it's able to boot up. The battery might not be holding a good charge, or the power adapter itself might be shot and putting out the wrong voltage and amps, causing it to not be able to fully power up.

By the sound of it, it seems to be a power issue somewhere. It's possible that the DVD Rom drive is burnt out too, drawing more power then it should and causing the problem. You should be able to remove the DVD drive to see if that helps. I don't think I've ever seen a laptop where you couldn't (except Macs). If you give me the exact make and model, I could look it up for you.

Worst case scenario, the mother board itself is fried. In which case its time for a new laptop.

[cmj75]

It's the motherboard...

[cmj75]

Thanks everyone for helping
Ended up getting a new one
The only bind I am in now is I hadn't backed up yet..hard drive was on table and it was a project I was going to do over break..perfect timing huh..
Going to b charged 300 to recover so I think I am going to see if my IT guy at work will help me recover
Pissed at myself for not backing it up

[cmj75]

Figured out how to fully recover my Itunes library...not just my purchases.

All you have to do is hook up the ipod and access the actual Ipod from MY computer. Show hidden files and select all the music folders (under something like Ipod control) and then drag to computer. Then click on each song (annoying with over a 1000 songs ) but then Itunes automatically recognizes them as within your library.

Pretty cool was able to restore my whole library within a few minutes and didn't have to download any additional software.

Sweet!! (973)