ASUS DVD drive cannot suddenly read DVD

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cateyes

55 posts

Master Geek

#289881 5-Oct-2021 17:33

The internal DVD driver on my desktop, which is an ASUS LightScribe 20x DVD writer, one day was suddenly found that it can read CDs without issues, but most of DVDs (burned by itself) cannot be read. a few DVDs can be recognised by it after it works very hard for a long time with some obvious noise to try to read them.

I guess, it might because of the desktop having been slightly hit a few times. But not sure why reading CDs is ok.

I wonder if there is some way it can still be fixed?

Thank you,

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Max
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#2790067 5-Oct-2021 17:35

Sounds like the DVD laser(most DVD readers do) is on the way out.

You'll need a new one.

Ramblings from a mysterious lady who's into tech. Warning I may often create zingers.

jpoc

1043 posts

Uber Geek

#2790268 5-Oct-2021 22:06

The laser in an optical drive has a limited lifespan especially if you are using it for writing disks.

If you are burning a lot of disks, you should look on your burner as a consumable item and if you care about reliability you should replace it well before you have burned 1000 disks.

CDs have a lower areal density so your burner will be able to read those long after it can no longer read DVDs.

Goosey

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#2790270 5-Oct-2021 22:15

Can you clean it (the laser), with some isoprop alcohol?

openmedia

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#2790279 5-Oct-2021 23:49

A clean can really help, even off the shelf DVD cleaning disks can make a huge difference. I've resurrected a number of similar drives in the past.

If it is really gone let me know as I have some spares.

Generally known online as OpenMedia, now working for Red Hat APAC as a Technology Evangelist and Portfolio Architect. Still playing with MythTV and digital media on the side.

scuwp

3885 posts

Uber Geek

#2790349 6-Oct-2021 07:27

You could also consider this an opportunity to transition to other more modern media.

Lazy is such an ugly word, I prefer to call it selective participation

1101

3122 posts

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#2790387 6-Oct-2021 09:23

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/DVWLGH225/LG-GH24NSD1-Internal-SATA-DVD-Writer--Black-colour
$40 for a new one.
They fail. Its actually very common (or was , way back when)

Actually, spend a bit more & buy a USB DVD drive . Far more usefull , as chances are you new PC/Laptop wont have a DVD drive

cateyes

55 posts

Master Geek

#2790490 6-Oct-2021 12:58

Goosey:

Can you clean it (the laser), with some isoprop alcohol?

openmedia:

A clean can really help, even off the shelf DVD cleaning disks can make a huge difference. I've resurrected a number of similar drives in the past.

If it is really gone let me know as I have some spares.

Thank you both very much. I'll give it a try. one question though, any kind of isoprop alcohol will do? or there are some requirements, like 100% or 70%?

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cateyes

55 posts

Master Geek

#2790492 6-Oct-2021 13:01

My desktop still need the old DVD drive though 😊

cateyes

55 posts

Master Geek

#2790494 6-Oct-2021 13:04

MaxineN:

Sounds like the DVD laser(most DVD readers do) is on the way out.

You'll need a new one.

Just curious, how did u make the yellow background?

Gurezaemon

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#2790554 6-Oct-2021 13:23

cateyes:

MaxineN:

Sounds like the DVD laser(most DVD readers do) is on the way out.

You'll need a new one.

Just curious, how did u make the yellow background?

You select "Set Answer".

Get your business seen overseas - Nexus Translations

cateyes

55 posts

Master Geek

#2790604 6-Oct-2021 14:26

Gurezaemon:

You select "Set Answer".

didn't realise that. Must be accidental. haha

1101

3122 posts

Uber Geek

#2790639 6-Oct-2021 16:19

cateyes:

Thank you both very much. I'll give it a try. one question though, any kind of isoprop alcohol will do? or there are some requirements, like 100% or 70%?

Ive never fixed a DVD or Cd player by cleaning the lasers lens. :-)
I guess if its just dust buildup then it might help.
Youve got nothing to loose , so give cleaning a go.

To do it properly, open it up and manually clean it .
Some say Alcohol can damage the plastic lens, some say its OK . You used to get special fluid for cleaning it , not sure what it was though

Im sure you could get a working used replacement for next to nothing.
We've thrown out plenty of them at work.

JayADee

2148 posts

Uber Geek

#2790641 6-Oct-2021 16:20

Easiest thing is buy a new, external USB based one.

cateyes

55 posts

Master Geek

#2791012 7-Oct-2021 10:13

1101:

cateyes:

Thank you both very much. I'll give it a try. one question though, any kind of isoprop alcohol will do? or there are some requirements, like 100% or 70%?

Ive never fixed a DVD or Cd player by cleaning the lasers lens. :-)
I guess if its just dust buildup then it might help.
Youve got nothing to loose , so give cleaning a go.

To do it properly, open it up and manually clean it .
Some say Alcohol can damage the plastic lens, some say its OK . You used to get special fluid for cleaning it , not sure what it was though

Im sure you could get a working used replacement for next to nothing.
We've thrown out plenty of them at work.

thank you. yeah, it needs to be done carefully. Regarding that alcohol thing, some suggest to use acetone instead. How's this?

jpoc

1043 posts

Uber Geek

#2791446 7-Oct-2021 19:38

cateyes:

<snip>

thank you. yeah, it needs to be done carefully. Regarding that alcohol thing, some suggest to use acetone instead. How's this?

Probably because alcohol is less likely to give you cancer. Some people like that sort of thing.

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