Before you upgrade or replace the DVD/CD-RW drive in your notebook, make sure that the drive you are buying is compatible with your computer. Some notebooks require an optical drive that works in cable select mode (CSEL). Some notebooks require master/slave (M/S) drives. Typically the drive is set to master or slave through a firmware flash. If the optical drive is not configured properly, it will not be detected by the BIOS or you will get IDE #1 error when you start the laptop. The best way to avoid these kinds of problems is to buy an optical drive designed for your laptop. If you plan to buy a generic drive, make sure to contact the seller and confirm that the drive will work in your computer.
In most cases you would be able to use the same connector board and DVD drive caddy (braces) from your old device. Just remove them from your old drive and install on a new drive.
Also make sure that your current plastic bezel (front panel) will fit a new optical drive. All bezels are different and very often you have to have a specific bezel for a specific drive. Do not hesitate to contact the seller and ask about the drive and the bezel computability.
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November 23rd, 2006 at 5:38 am
hi i am having trouble upgrading my optical drive in a toshiba sat pro a120. Please help. thanks
October 20th, 2006 at 10:22 am
Chris,
Probably just a bad drive. Try reseating it. Remove the drive from the laptop and put it back.
October 19th, 2006 at 7:03 pm
I’m having the same problem as Raj above: the drive light on my CD/DVD player won’t turn off, and I’m suddenly unable to play CD or DVD discs in the drive. Please help!
Thanks!
September 24th, 2006 at 10:48 pm
Rhonda,
It’s hard to say if it’s a hardware or software problem, until you re-image the drive. Backup all personal data and re-image the drive back to original factory defaults. To start the recovery process you’ll have to do next:
1. insert the recovery DVD into the drive (you got the disk with the laptop)
2. restart the laptop and press F12 as soon as Toshiba logo appears on the screen
3. choose to boot the laptop from CD/DVD drive
4. follow the instructions
BACKUP ALL PERSONAL DATA before you re-image the drive because it would be reformatted during the recovery process. After the laptop is reloaded back to factory defaults, try burning CD or DVD. If you still cannot do that, that’s a hardware fault. Call Toshiba or an authorized service provider and explain that the drive doesn’t work properly even after you reimaged the hard drive. They should take care of it (most likely replace the drive) at no charge because the laptop is still under warranty.
September 24th, 2006 at 10:36 pm
Hi – im having trouble with my DVD on a Toshiba M70 satellite. It wont write CD or DVD but plays both. The macine is 9 months old and the repair co says Intervideo is the problem and we loaded it on!!! (comes with the unit) – any suggestions.
cheers Rhonda
September 21st, 2006 at 9:47 am
Minusf,
It’s not a protection; it’s just a configuration issue. A new drive should be configured the same as your original drive. There are many other optical drives listed for Satellite M30X.
DVD/CD-RW drives:
Teac – part number K000015780
Toshiba – part number K000015790
Hitachi-LG – part number K000015800
DVD super multidrive (DVD burners):
Panasonic – part number K000015860, K000024880
Teac – part number K000015870
It looks like you have a lot to choose from. If you Google for the part nubmer, you should find it. Before you buy and replace the drive, I would contact the seller and ask him if the drive is compatible. Just to make sure that you are not wasting money.
September 21st, 2006 at 5:40 am
what about the “protection” some manufacturers put in their notebooks so different drives won’t work? for example a toshibe satellite m30x won’t “detect” a samsung dvd drive… but i am keen on replacing the matsushita uj-820s shit which is the official drive for this model.
September 10th, 2006 at 11:01 pm
Kunda,
Try next. Remove the laptop battery, wait for a minute, plug it the AC adapter (without the battery installed) and turn on the laptop. Does it help?
If it doesn’t help, try to reseat the memory module or move it into another slot.
September 10th, 2006 at 9:29 pm
I was using toshiba laptop one day and after finish my work i just shut it down.I hasn’t use it for about one day then i try to turn it on wasn’t able to start,but only power light which shows that there power is light on,but the other indicator are off.I need help.
July 12th, 2006 at 10:40 pm
I am having a problem with my Toshiba Notebook
Satellite M20 DvD Rom. When i switch on my Laptop, the Light in the DVD rom is always on.
When i insert a DVD or a CD into it, it does not work.
Please help me…
Raj