CD-RW GCE-8481B Cleaning

[Prushka]

I have a CD-RW GCE-8481B drive 2.5 yrs. old and Roxio

I'm not sure what the problem is, but CD's take numerous trys before they'll load. If I should venture to remove it (completely boxed in), what do I need to clean.
The floppy drive looked as if it lived inside the vacuum cleaner bag, but the 2 CD drive appear lint free. I have cleaned out the inside works several times...really, but not with leaf blower

Where can I find (local store) a 5-sided hex screw bit/driver

Your comments are appreciated...TY

[Sterling_Aug]

Torx bits can be found in any hardware store (Sears, Lowes, True Value, Home Depot, along with ebay.com, etc.).

It sounds like you may just want to buy a new burner. They are now under $20 for a 52X CDRW and you may spend up to $10 for a set of Torx bits so where are you really saving any money?

[Rocketmech]

Yep, sounds like the laser is going bad. Maybe try cleaning it with swab and alcohol. Heres a list of bits
http://www.lara.com/reviews/screwtypes.htm , 5 sided is a Penta bit . I would invest in a pc tool kit , meantime your local Home Depot or Lowe's should have driver bits.

[Prushka]

Thanks guys

I didn't realize a new and probably better drive are that cheap...sounds like a plan.
Not having seen the inside of a CD drive, is there something like a glass cover over the lazer, which could be cleaned with denatured acohol. I'd like to keep the RW drive and remove the 2nd.
Looks like I'll need a penta bit kit either way to remove the shell or remove everything to gain access to the drives. At least the tower side panel is a snap

[Rocketmech]

Hmmm, this the best illustrated DIY guide I know of , but the info is basically the same for any CD/DVD drive .
http://www.llamma.com/xbox/Repairs/c..._dvd_drive.htm

I think this is a good excuse to get a DVD burner if ya don't have one yet.

[Prushka]

Sounds good...I'll tell the owner she can't have one...that will insure she goes out and buys one.

I'll check the site a bit later...appreciate it