When starting my machine it takes ages to start and comes up with IDE #1 error then windows starts. The machine no longer sees the cd drive, any ideas please?

hi, welcome to DAL,

is this a new problem? have you added any new hardware/software recently before this problem occured?

ok, first off, check for the drive in the BIOS; hit F8 or Del (depending on your computer's make & model, see your manual for more info) use the arrows to navigate to your IDE devices, make sure your cd dive is set to "Enable".... im sorry if this isnt exactly right, i dont know my way through bios off-by-heart, i need to actualy see it to know what i'm doing properly.

secondly, check that the IDE + Power connectors are connected properly to your cd drive, also, check the IDE cable to the motherboard (IDE cable is the long ribbon cable)

hope this helps,
Mike

Mike, yes I had added new hardware, a replacement cd drive. I took this out altogether and the machine fired up fine. I have now put a different cd drive in and have no problems.
Thanks,
Bob

ok, glad its working

if you want to use that drive again, check the jumper is set correctly (master, slave....) and the position on the IDE cable (primary drive should be on the end of the ribbon cable

Hope this helps
Mike