CD ROM not ready

[genie86333]

A friend keeps getting a "DEVICE IS NOT READY - RETRY/CANCEL" message every time he tries to access his CD ROM. It won't autoplay & he can't open it from My Computer either. It won't spin the CD at all & in fact acts like there's no CD in the drive. He's tried several discs so it's not the CD itself.
The Device Manager says it's working properly.
He's going to try reinstalling the driver next, but if it doesn't work, are there any other suggestions before he puts it in the shop?

[daveleau]

A cd-rom is a simple installation. I would go and get another one because it sounds as if the cd-rom is dead. This will save $50-$70 in labor. To install a cd-rom, you only plug in three cables that are keyed and screw in 4 screws. Very simple.
Dave

[genie86333]

Thanks, Dave, that's what I figured too, but I was hoping for an alternative because unfortunately the computer is almost 3000 miles away from me, otherwise I'd have already done that already...and my friend's not comfortable with the inner workings of the computer.
I'll pass on your message though, thanks!

Genie

[Lockbane]

Before jumping ahead and buying a new one, Make sure that the IDE cable is properly seated in the motherboard and the cdrom.It may have been jostled loose which is why the computer doesn't think there is a drive connected. Hope that advice helps.

[genie86333]

Thanks...I thought of that possibility last night too and told him to have that checked out first, hopefully that's all that's wrong!