DVD rom problem

[snowfall]

My laptop's DVD rom suddenly just decided it will only read CD/DVD randomly... and it wont read my WinME or WinXP setup discs! (both not pirated)
i need to format the hd quick.
Is there a way to fix the DVDrom?
or is there another way i can reinstall windows?

[zypha]

is your computer fairly new? Mine did the same thing a lot of earlier combo drive for laptops are trash they read some disk while not others, some times a disk you just burned. I pulled min out and sent it back to dell, and told them this was a pice of Sh**. the sent me a new one and a newer model, so may want to try that first before you beat your head in trying to fix it.

[AllGamer]

Sounds like you first need either a CD or DVD replacement first

before you can install anything.

[snowfall]

i bought the laptop 2yrs ago from gateway, but it only has a yr warranty. Plus they're not in australia anymore......

am i done for???
but shouldn't there always be a solution?

[AllGamer]

hmm... for hardware the only solution is to get another replacement, unless you know micro electronics and know how to fix and troubleshoot a circuit board

[snowfall]

but it's a built in DVD drive, i dont think i can find one on the streets. And calling them in US is a aint a very good idea...

u guys think a USB CD-rom drive can boot windowsME/XP on startup?

[AllGamer]

nope USB nor PCMCIA are both not bootable

it'll be only if you can read the Drivers from A: FDD first