Hi,

See my original post below.

The only problem (major problem) with the CD Rom drive is the initial
access when I first insert a data CD rom (or audio CD), even when laptop
is on for awhile and warmed up. I have to insert it many times before I
finally have access (if I am lucky). Note: Each time I insert the CD, the
drive attempts to "read" it several times before it aborts. Once the CD is
"accessed", there are no more problems. I can leave the data CD in the drive
all day (laptop power stays on via AC) and never have trouble reading the CD.
The CD will stop spinning when not accessed, but it never has any trouble
spinning up later so I can access data from the CD rom. Once I remove the CD
rom or power down the laptop, my trouble starts all over again. Note: This
happens with other data CD roms too. This is why I wondered if the problem is
reading the "initial" track, and maybe the head can't position itself
properly on that track? I had removed and examined the drive (I am a TV
service tech.) and I couldn't see any dirt or restrictions that may prevent
the head from reaching the "initial" position.

Thanks in advance, Brad

Before you type your password, credit card number, etc.,
be sure there is no active key logger (spyware) in your PC.

Original Post:

Hi,

I bought a new Compaq Armada 1520DM laptop around 1997. A few years
ago, it started to have difficultly reading a CD rom, or playing an audio CD.
However, once the CD was "accessed", there was no problem "reading" or
"playing" (audio) the CD. Note: I have not used the CD drive very often.

The problem relates to inserting the CD, and getting the initial
information, which I assume is on the outer most track. Sometimes, I have to
insert the CD several times (and wait) before the CD is finally "accessible"
(I hear the "spin up" sound, I know from now on, the CD is accessible).
Other times, it isn't accessible (doesn't "spin up" to full speed).

I had removed the CD rom drive (note: I am a TV service tech) and checked
the head movement freedom to the outer edge and I found no "interference"
or no physical reason the head can't "reach" that position.

Any information about what might cause this problem will be greatly
appreciated.

"Brad" wrote in message
...
Hi,

See my original post below.

The only problem (major problem) with the CD Rom drive is the initial
access when I first insert a data CD rom (or audio CD), even when laptop
is on for awhile and warmed up. I have to insert it many times before I
finally have access (if I am lucky). Note: Each time I insert the CD, the
drive attempts to "read" it several times before it aborts. Once the CD
is
"accessed", there are no more problems. I can leave the data CD in the
drive
all day (laptop power stays on via AC) and never have trouble reading the
CD.
The CD will stop spinning when not accessed, but it never has any trouble
spinning up later so I can access data from the CD rom. Once I remove the
CD
rom or power down the laptop, my trouble starts all over again. Note:
This
happens with other data CD roms too. This is why I wondered if the
problem is
reading the "initial" track, and maybe the head can't position itself
properly on that track? I had removed and examined the drive (I am a TV
service tech.) and I couldn't see any dirt or restrictions that may
prevent
the head from reaching the "initial" position.

Thanks in advance, Brad


I take it the replies on the subject the last time you posted weren't worthy
of consideration or a response? And the time before that, and the time
before that...

Buy a new CDRom, either from the manufacturer (not cheap) or used from eBay,
or get an external USB one. My guess is the motor bearing lubrication has
dried/gummed up, the laser is weak or dirty, or it's just generally past it.

If you've serviced it, ie cleaned it thoroughly, cleaned the laser lens,
relubed the sled rails, pinions etc, and it still doesn't work, how do you
expect to repair it? You can't get parts for these- the entire assembly must
be replaced.

A friendly Usenet tip:

The more you keep posting about the same subject over and over, the less
interest you will get from the group. Eventually you'll appear in people's
killfiles.

Dave