MY Sony DRU-510A DVD±RW Writer has stopped working/help

dave25 · Jun 14, 2003

hi guys

i have had my Sony DRU-510A DVD±RW Writer for only 10 days and looks like it has packed in already. Im dont know what happened to it but i was using Instand copy at the time and it popped up a error message when it started writing.
The light on writer kept on flashing, so i rebooted my computer, manualing opened the tray using a pin to get my blank dvd out.
My computer doeasnt recognises it, it flashes a few times when the computer boots up and thats all! I have tried reinstalling it , but no success.
Would like to hear from expert members of whats likely to be the fault, before i take it back on Monday. I think i will be asking for a replaced straight away, I hope i am entitled to do that!!

Dave

scarecrow · Jun 14, 2003

Of course you are entitled to do that with no cost... but first check if your BIOS sees the device at bootup.

dave25 · Jun 15, 2003

hi scarecrow
im not to technical on bios =you know how would i do that

scarecrow · Jun 15, 2003

Check the reports (white letters on the black screen) when your computer restarts... you should be able to see the Sony reported as hooked "somewhere".

dave25 · Jun 15, 2003

i usually see windows xp logo and that all

scarecrow · Jun 15, 2003

You should be able to see the bios messages before the XP logo- unless your mainboard has some sort of silent/fast bootup mode activated. Anyway, put your XP CD into the Sony and reboot... if the Windows installation routine starts or you get a message like "hit any key to boot from CD" then the drive is alive.
You may also like to press the "del" or "F2" button during reboot (depending on your mainboard type) to enter the bios settings, and set your computer to boot from CD-ROm first and then from harddisk. It's easy for everyone, just consult your mainboard manual.

dave25 · Jun 15, 2003

the drive doeasnt open mate so i cant really insert the windows xp cd

scarecrow · Jun 15, 2003

If you are not familiar with things like opening your box then, I'd suggest to return the drive for replacement- even if it's in fact healthy.

dave25 · Jun 16, 2003

I returned my Sony writer back today to CCL Computers Bradford. They were very helpful, was asked whether I want a replaced or refund straight away. They didnt have any sony writers in stock, so as i couldnt wait I opted for a OEM version of the pioneer 105 which was £150 cheaper than the sony one. I know it doeasnt do +dvd's but i think I can live with that, and because it was a lot cheaper I can always opt for a new one a year or so later. i hope this one last for than 10 days!!