Faulty DVD Writer.. what can I try?

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ZollyMonsta

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Topic # 30890 24-Feb-2009 20:58

My 14 month old Asus Internal DVD writer with Lightscribe seems to be having intermittent issues reading DVDs.
It's only a couple of months out of warranty. Contacted Ascent whom said the supplier will not replace it under warranty, even though it's only just out of warranty.

So, rather than biffing the writer (which I must add, has hardly been used) is there anything I can try?

A tech at Ascent has suggested a can of compressed air to remove any dust (guess I'll have to crack the writer open for this).

I know drives are only around $60.. but would like to try and fix it rather than turf it if I can.

Thanks.

hairy1

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Reply # 197855 24-Feb-2009 21:20

From past experience they seem to get a build up of dust on the small rubber disc that sits under the DVD/CD. This means the drive won't grip the CD or DVD and hence it doesn't spin at the correct speed sometimes and won't read.
Take the top off the writer and give the rubber disc a gentle clean to get rid of the dust on it. You probably won't need to use any solvents as the dust generally just wipes off. I have found that poking and prodding the laser too much ends up with a stuffed writer. I generally clean it very gently with iso propyl alcohol and a cotton bud. Try the rubber disk method before cleaning the laser.
Cheers,
Matt.

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ZollyMonsta

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Reply # 197869 24-Feb-2009 22:22

Thanks Matt.. Will give those two things a try.

CYaBro

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Reply # 197878 24-Feb-2009 23:16

I was told by a friend who repairs CD/DVD players and he said NOT to use iso on the lenses as it is too harsh.
The lenses are just made from plastic and the iso can ruin it.
He said to just use your spit :D

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eXDee

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Reply # 198028 25-Feb-2009 16:50

Don't open it, and argue it hasnt lasted a reasonable amount of time. The consumer guarentees act says that you are entitled to repair, replacement or refund if the goods do not last a reasonable amount of time, and 14 months certainly is NOT reasonable for a dvd drive.

I usually ignore warranties because in most cases when things fail the law is on your side.

ZollyMonsta

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Reply # 198033 25-Feb-2009 17:13

Good point.. I have emailed ascent again asking them to contact the supplier again.
Its not like the drive has been used a lot either.

CYaBro

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Reply # 198040 25-Feb-2009 18:20

Sorry didn't read your original post correctly.

Asus optical drives are covered by a two year warranty so get it replaced where you bought it from.

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ZollyMonsta

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Reply # 198042 25-Feb-2009 18:28

It had a 1 year warranty posted on Ascents website when it was purchased. Have they changed the warranty length recently?

Bung

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Reply # 198048 25-Feb-2009 18:56

CYaBro: Sorry didn't read your original post correctly.

Asus optical drives are covered by a two year warranty so get it replaced where you bought it from.

I've struck that before with Ascent, not all importers support the same warranty.

rscole86

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Reply # 198051 25-Feb-2009 19:02

That may depend on whether it was parallel imported or from the local authorised distributor/manufacturer.

Bung

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Reply # 198054 25-Feb-2009 19:16

From the Asus site
"ASUS Optical device will carry 1 year limited warranty in most territories. ASUS product warranty is based on the serial number printed. Certain countries will offer extended warranty coverage."

I'd guess that the EU insist on 2 yrs.

ZollyMonsta

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Reply # 198249 26-Feb-2009 18:22

Mentioned the CGA and looks like the distributor is now coming to the party. A replacement drive is on the way.

I love the CGA *kisses and hugs it*

eXDee

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Reply # 198267 26-Feb-2009 21:08

Thats great! Yeah often they will ignore the CGA until you mention it, and from then on most cases they will comply and sort you out.
If that doesn't work then you can take matters further, eg disputes tribunal, consumers institute and the media, though hopefully that doesn't happen, but i'd rather exercise my rights than be walked over if it had to come to that.

CYaBro

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Reply # 198277 26-Feb-2009 21:27

eXDee: Thats great! Yeah often they will ignore the CGA until you mention it, and from then on most cases they will comply and sort you out.
If that doesn't work then you can take matters further, eg disputes tribunal, consumers institute and the media, though hopefully that doesn't happen, but i'd rather exercise my rights than be walked over if it had to come to that.

Would it really be worth all that hassle for something that probably cost $70-$80 originally?

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ZollyMonsta

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Reply # 198298 26-Feb-2009 22:59

It's the principle of it.. :) So yes, it would always be worth it.

eXDee

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Reply # 198424 27-Feb-2009 16:48

CYaBro:
eXDee: Thats great! Yeah often they will ignore the CGA until you mention it, and from then on most cases they will comply and sort you out.
If that doesn't work then you can take matters further, eg disputes tribunal, consumers institute and the media, though hopefully that doesn't happen, but i'd rather exercise my rights than be walked over if it had to come to that.

Would it really be worth all that hassle for something that probably cost $70-$80 originally?

As above, its the principle, but disputes tribunal is $50, so if its a $70 faulty product then its still worth it.