Just to go back to the original problem, I assumed it was an HD failing
because one of them made that noise when the heads go from one end to
another while booting. Two identical same age SATA drives. But it's still
working ok.

Sometimes when booting it appears to constantly poll the CD drives and
makes that noise - sometimes not. But always boots normally.

--
*Never underestimate the power of very stupid people in large groups *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.