m.j.l said:

My optical drive does not show under my computer or device manager. When I boot up, I receive the following error message; Hardware ID Missing; Windows cannot identify the device plugged into the ATA channel 0. It also says to contact the manufacturer, but I can't find a way to contact them. I have a HLDS GSA-T11N DVD RW. I had this problem with XP so I formatted the hard drive and tried a clean install of Windows 7 (from an external hard drive)- no help.

I've tried MrFixit, hardware trouble shooter, regedit – upper and lower filters (none to delete), uninstalling ATA channel 0 (both of them), driver/firmware update (target drive could not be lcated), have removed and re-seated it several times, tried cleaning the contacts, and I don't remember what else. Nothing has worked.

The drive is shown in BIOS, however the ID appears to be screwed up. It reads – HL-D\-[T(D^D+/-R_-(P. I believe it should read HL-DT-ST DVD+-RW GSA-T11N (or similar). I have a Dell Inspiron 1501 laptop. The Bios is Pheonix.

I don't know what else I can do without buying a new one. The drive powers up and will spin when a disk is put in. Is there anyway to correct the ID in BIOS or the ID chip in the drive? Or is this enough to says the drive is bad and needs replaced?

Thanks    

M.J.L

Did this drive ever work in this computer.

My first thoughts are that this a communication problem between the drive and the OS and may between the drive and the computer.

My first thought is to unplug the drive power and data cable while powered down.  Then power up and check the BIOS and the Device manager to see if the drive is gone in both places.  Also while powered up remove any drivers for that drive.  Then I would power down and back up at least twice.  I mean power down not reboot.  I would then plug the drive power and data cable back in and power up and check the BIOS and device manager to see what shows up.  If it still does not show up properly I would try a different data cable to see what happens.  I think the power to the drive is fine as you indicated it spins when you insert a disk.

I really think it is a communication problem between the drive and the computer.  This problem could be the drive, the cable or the ATA device.  Have you tried the drive in a different computer?  Does the ATA have a different channel you could try?

m.j.l said:

Thanks Ben,

Yes, the drive worked when the computer was new (4 1/2 yrs.) but has not worked for about 9 months now.

This is a laptop so the only way I know to unplug the power and data is to remove it. I have powered up without the drive and there is nothing in BIOS. Put it back in and the same screwy ID.

Since it does not show up under my computer or device manager, there are no drivers to remove because none have been installed (unless they can be found in another location).

 I don't have another laptop that I can put the drive into. In order to try a different data cable, I'm guessing I would have to buy one. Do they cost much? There are 2 ATA channel 0's and 1 ATA channel 1, but I don't know how I would switch them (motherboard?).

I have been into my desktops many times and am comfortable doing so. I've never been into a laptop but am not hesitant to do so with a little guidance. I don't mind buying new parts for this machine. I'm just trying to figure out the problem myself and not take it to the hospital. LOL

M.J.L

In as much as you have had the drive out before why don't you take it out and take it to a local Mom & Pop type computer store (repair shop) and tell them you think the drive might be bad and inquire what a new drive would cost.  They might plug it in and try it and be able to tell you it is good or bad and most likely will give you a price on a new drive if it is bad.  In as much as they might get a sale of a new drive I would think that the cost of checking out the old drive would be very small or no charge at all.

Is the data cable easy to get out of the laptop or would it require more disassemble than just taking the drive out.  If the drive checks out OK you will have to go deeper into the machine.