Lite-On 16x DVD-ROM issues

[The_Other_One]

This isn't such a big deal, but it is annoying... I have this Lite-On drive in my main system that I have all but quit using because of these problems. Basically, it takes a really long time to spin up(seemed to always take a while, even dad's identical one takes a bit) It goes alright once it gets spinning, but sometimes, when I try to skip parts in DVDs or sometimes just randomly, it slows down and starts making horrible noises, almost like bearings are bad or something. It struggles for a bit, usally a minute or so, then it'll get going again. My computer is usally locked up during this, but it'll kick back in once the drive gets going...

It started a few years back and has gotten somewhat worse over time. I popped it open once wondering if it was that top stabalizer thingy, but it looked fine. Any ideas? I'm cheap and don't wish to buy another

 

[~mr mixx~]

well, for starters:
1) how long have you had the drive?
2) have you used a cd cleaner in it? to clean out any dust particles.
3) have you tried updating the devise driver's/ or rolling back the devise driver's?

could be just getting warn out...

 

[The_Other_One]

I think I got it back around late 2001. I remember when it first started making noises...man, that had to of also been around 2002. Heh, it must of just run out of the warrenty

I'll try a cleaner. We have or had one around here somewhere...

It's a DVD-ROM, some no drivers. Just Power DVD. Drivers ARE NOT the problem because since then, I've had 98, 2000, and XP on that system, all causing the problem...

 

[~mr mixx~]

ok, so it is with your dvd drive then...i think the dvd cleaner should take care of it. just 1- more question.

what size is your ram? could be that not enough ram may be the cause of freeze, or graphics card, not enough ram.

as for the noise, i don't know of a solution other than, try not to bump it or move it around alot.(your comp. that is)

 

[The_Other_One]

I have 512M ram, virtual mem disabled. I think I had 256M back when I got the drive and the problems started. I know it's not my comp not being able to handle it ;P It goes fine when it gets going. So do DVD quality DVIX vids...

 

[~mr mixx~]

cool then, try the DVD cleaner...but you wiil want to stay away from the one's that have metal brushes for cleaning the lenses & parts.