Help, my Samsung CDRW/DVD SN-308 drive stopped working!

[vtt]

My Samsung CDRW/DVD SN-308 drive recently stopped working. Instead of loading properly, the drive makes lots of clicking noises and then stop. If I click on My Computer while these noises are being made, the DVD drive "disappears" from the list of available drives. Windows XP says all my drivers are up to date and that the drive is functioning properly. This is very frustrating. Dell refused to provide me with another model drive instead of suggested that I should get another Samsung CDRW/DVD SN-308 drive and from I read they’re having a lot of problem with this SN-308 drive. If anyone has any suggestion of how to fix it or any ideas about where I could get another model drive that would be a direct replacement, other than Samsung? I would greatly appreciate. No insulting please.

Thanks

My System:

Dell Inspiron 8200
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Version 2002, Service pack 2
Intel (R) Pentium 4
Mobile CPU 1.40 GHz
1.02 GHz 256 MB of RAM

[lumis]

try changing the drive from SM-> PS, or somewhere else.. try changing the jumper from CS to master.. uninstall the drive from the device manager.

try it in another computer..

that's all i can really suggest, sounds like your drive is dead.

[lenti_75]

change jumpers, if no luck, try it in other computer, if still no luck, time for a new one.

what can you do, nothing is perfect, get a better drive next time, but not even that one is perfect.

pioneer or nec are the best, no matter what pleople say.

[MJA]

I think clicking noise means physical damage inside the dvd writer .so God have mercy on your drive good news dvd drives are cheap. I like the NEC one.BTW invest in more RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Manufactory=&PropertyCodeValue=365%3A867...ubmit=Property

[vtt]

I called Dell again, they tell me it needs to be replaced (with another Samsung SN-308 drive b/c it made to order and will guarantee to work. I am not sure what they’re mean by made to order but if I choose to go with another model Dell will not support and not guarantee it will work with the Inspiron 8200.) Is that true or they are trying sale another Samsung SN- 308 drive for $79.00???

Thanks for all your help guys, have a good weekend.

vtt

[MJA]

u doen't have to buy it from dell if your laptop is out of warranty.
buy it from newegg.com and for any reason it doesn't work.u can return it to them (2 week I think or 1 month .not sure) just be sure to keep the old bezel.

few topics
http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=insp_cdrom&message.id=43731

[vtt]

Thanks for the info MJA. It’s sure helps a lot.
So that what they mean by not guarantee it will work with another model.
I am glad I tumble into this website. I got a lot of good info and tips in the last couple of weeks.
Thanks again for all your help Gentlemen.

vtt