I just had to replace my hard drive, and do a full system recovery, data recovery was unsuccessful. Now my dvd-rw is only recognizing cds, I have re-installed the drive and all drivers, I can't rollback, as I have nothing to rollback to. I have uninstalled software thinking it might be a compatability issue. Nothing seems to be working, I can't play or write any dvd. I am able to play audio cds, cd-roms, and write to a cd. PLEASE HELP, I am desperate. Jolene
First, make sure you have patched up your system. If you're using XP, install Service Pack 1a (I'd avoid SP2) as well as any driver updates. Try also, with the computer off of course, completely disconnecting the drive. Then boot fully and shut down, so the OS removes any existing drivers. Shutdown again. While you're at it, check the jumper settings, etc. to make sure they're right. Then reconnect the drive's power and IDE cables. Boot and it should freshly recognize the drive. Let me know how it turns out.
I tried all of that. Unfortunately this computer came with sp2 already installed and all of my drivers are the current or updated versions. I just got off a live chat with HP and was told that the error codes that I got from PC-Doctor mean my drive is damaged and I need to replace it. I am sooo frustrated with this computer right now.
Sounds like the drive is toast. I usually recommend updating the firmware as a last-ditch effort, in case the existing FW got corrupted. If you do buy a new drive, go for an NEC or Pioneer.
