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    M14x R2 DVD-Drive (GS30N) doesn't recognize discs

    Discussion in 'Alienware 14 and M14x' started by Iwan666, Mar 17, 2013.

  1. Iwan666

    Iwan666 Newbie

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    Hi everyone.

    I recently got my M14x R2. It has a GS30N DVD-drive/burner and seems like I am having problems with it.
    Somehow like http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m14x/622438-dvd-rom-wont-work-all.html but a little different:

    When I insert a disk (original DVD, no burned one) I can hear the drive spin up but then nothing happens. I cannot see the contents of the DVD, install a game, etc. Seems like it the drive beasically recognized the disk since some seconds after putting the disc in the Icon changes from "DVD" to "DVD-ROM". When accessing the drive I only get an empty screen (no hourglass).
    Ejecting the disk (opposite to the errors in the Thread linked above) works without problems.
    Now the difference: When booting Windows with a DVD inside the drive the contents is shown and I can access the data on the disk, install game, etc. Ejecting disk and reinsert it then works as well the disk is recognized and I can still access it.

    The DVD-drive is visible in Device Manager, no icons or information about problems/not correctly installed/driver issues.
    But: When I click on the drive the Device Manager locks up and just displays the hourglass.

    Any idea what one can do to fix this? Is it a Windows/driver issue, or hardware problem?
    I already removed the backplate of the M14x and tried to fix loose cables by pressing on both ends of the orange cable, but I do not really know what to do so I did not do more. Seems like I would need to remove the whole drive to remove and then connect cable again?

    Thank you all in avdance.

    Regards
    Iwan666
     
  2. juliant

    juliant Notebook Deity

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    I had the same problem as you. Called dell and they sent me a replacement within a day (if you can replace it yourself, it will be processed quickly and they will send it to you immediately, same as they did for me; if you need a technician to do the work, it may take a bit longer - it's all up to you). Had it replaced and everything works fine with the new drive. I guess there is something wrong with those drives... So, pick up your phone and dial 1-800-Alienware :D
     
  3. Iwan666

    Iwan666 Newbie

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    Thank you ... Really seems to be a Hardware-Problem, every burning program locks up when trying to access the drive. I really hoped that it is not a Hardware problem ...
     
  4. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    Send me a PM and I'll send you the replacement ODD.
     
  5. Iwan666

    Iwan666 Newbie

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    Thank you Luis, but ... unfortunately I'm in Germany so I will address my both issues there, hopefully they are as helpful as you offered :)