I have Sony DVD RW DW - U18A drive which is malfunctioning. Basically it does not recognise that a DVD is in the drive - the system asks me to put a disc into the drive when I try to open it via Start - Run. There is a strange slightly graunching noise as it tries to play the DVD then simply dies (i.e. no light from the drive). I feel this is a hardware fault, but can anyone suggest any checks to confirm whether it is a software or hardware issue? I have tried the Device Manager route, but I am told the system is working fine.

Thanks

Gareth

I think you're right - if the drive is making a noise that it doesn't sound like it should be making, then it does look like a hardware fault. DVD drives don't have drivers, so there's nothing that you can uninstall and re-install in that respect.

Have you tried copied CDs/DVDs and original CDs/DVDs? Do you get a similar problem if you use your recording software to try and record a disc? If so, you need to replace the drive.

DJ

Many thanks for grtting back to me - much appreciated. Yes I have tried all the variations and nothing works on that drive. Given their price rather than mess about trying a repair I will simply buy a new one.

All the best

Gareth

OK, thanks for the update

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