Hey. I would appreciate any help/advice that anyone can give - however simple it is (in fact, the simpler the better - I confess that I am a total computer non-knowit).

Basically, my computer froze yesterday whilst trying to install iTunes from a CD (totally legal copy and everything - came with an iPod). When it didn't do anything for a while, or respond to Ctrl+Alt+Del (my answer to everything!), I had to switch it off by the power button. Left it a few minutes switched it on and thats when the problems begin..

In the start up (when the screen is black with white writing!) it says:
Pri Master: 3.05 ST94019A
Ultra DMA Mode - 5 S.M.A.R.T. capable but disabled

Then, after a few seconds:
Sec Slave Drive - ATAPI incompatible
Press F1 to resume.

If I press F1, it starts the laptop but theres absolutely no recognition of my CD drive, it's not even in My Computer!

Any help would be appreciated lots and lots. My guarantee on the laptop is null and void due to the company going bust (Tiny) - so if I can't sort this myself its off to a little man who will no doubt charge me loads because of my ignorance!!

Sarah.

can you get in to the BIOS ? (maybe pressing Del) as it boots up

Yeah, I can but I don't really know what any of it means, so I havent changed anything for fear of making things worse.

in the BIOS you should have your drives listed. ie

Hard Drive, CD drive are they set to auto detect

OK, I've just had a look. The only places I can find CD/DVD mentioned are:

Under 'Standard CMOS Setup', where it lists
Pri Master: User
Pri Slave: Not Installed
Sec Master: Not Installed
Sec Slave: CD/DVD

and then, under 'Auto Detect Hard Disks':
Pri Master: User
Pri Slave: Not Installed
Sec Master: Not Installed
Sec Slave: Not Installed

Does that mean anything to you?

you could try by going into safe mode and check your device manager. usually right click my computer..properties..device manager.

look at where your cd-rom should be, your drivers may be bad.