SH-S182M - Can read data discs, but can't see DVD's

[Redcell6]

Greetings!

I've posted this on another board (external to this site) but have had no takers yet. A friend pointed me to this site with the hopes that I'd get further exposure on my issue.

I'm a complete newbie when it comes to DVD writers but haven't even gotten the install complete.

My problem is with getting the newly-installed SH-S182M (master) to recognize when I pop in a DVD. The drive can read/play both data and audio discs with no problems. However, when I drop in a retail DVD, it acts as if there's nothing in the drive. Nothing comes up when I explore the disc via Explorer or Disk Manager. Take that DVD out and drop it into my DVD reader (slave), I can explore the contents and play the movie.

I thought I had a defective drive when I first bought the unit so I returned it and got another identical drive. Went through the installation (including the upgrade of the firmware) and get the same behavior.

Calling Samsung didn't help much. But the guy I was talking to had me drop in a blank disc (Fuji DVD-R) and fire up the Nero software that came with the drive to burn a movie clip. It showed as working but when attempting to read the disc in either drive, it wouldn't read.

Here's my configuration:

Asus A7V8X-X
AMD Athlon XP 2200+
1 GB Corsair PC3200 (512x2)
BFG GeForce 7800
HDD1 - Internal WD
HDD2 - Internal Maxtor
Samsung SH-S182M (master)
Matshita DVD reader (slave)
External Maxtor HDD
External WD HDD
XP Pro SP2

As for the power supply, I can't recall (and can't see the label) of the one I installed but it's either a 600W or 800W. I do remember I dropped extra money on a beefy one so I woulnd't have to deal with power-related issues.

Probably stuff on the list you don't need. If anything's missing, please let me know and I'll update ASAP.

Moving on...

Here are the things I've done/tried so far to try and deal with the problem:

1. Upgraded firmware on the new ODD.
2. Connected a dedicated power line from the PSU to the 182
3. Disconnected the DVD reader drive (slave) in case there were conflicts
4. Double-checked the DMA settings and they are set to use DMA mode
5. Removed the secondary IDE controller from Device Manager, rebooted, had Windows find the hardware again
6. Disconnected the external drives (while working on step 3 above) in case I'm hitting the ceiling on my PSU
7. Uninstalled nero 6.0 (came with the new ODD) and downloaded/installed nero 7.x demo version
8. Replaced the 80-conduit IDE cable with a brand new one
9. Disconnected the DVD reader and set the sammy to c/s
10. Updated the VIA4in1 drivers
11. Removed the VIA IDE controller and installed the standard (and swapped back after that didn't work)

As fate would have it, I had some old systems kicking around in my basement that I just took to the dump so I don't have any other systems I can try this in. I'm contemplating getting an external usb enclosure as a next step but will see if anyone here has any ideas to get this working as an internal drive.

In closing, I'll apologize in advance if I've left out any pertinent info and/or haven't explained the situation clearly. I'm at the point where I'm becoming blind by this issue and am starting to not think straight.

Needless to say, any assistance is greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

[OneSickPup]

Calling Samsung didn't help much. But the guy I was talking to had me drop in a blank disc (Fuji DVD-R) and fire up the Nero software that came with the drive to burn a movie clip. It showed as working but when attempting to read the disc in either drive, it wouldn't read.

I think the above quote might be explained by reviewing this thread:
http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=196908

As far as your other issues - could be a bad rail on your PSU. Might try a different power connector/line if your psu has any available (worth a shot). An attempt at installing in an external enclosure should prove or disprove power as the culprit but you already knew that. Sorry I can't be of more help.

[Redcell6]

Problem solved. Went out and got a Sony DRX-830U.

[OneSickPup]

Problem solved. Went out and got a Sony DRX-830U.

Hmmm - You do realize that the DRX-830U is a rebadged Samsung SH-S182D.

[Redcell6]

Problem solved. Went out and got a Sony DRX-830U.

Hmmm - You do realize that the DRX-830U is a rebadged Samsung SH-S182D.

Fine by me (so far). I plugged it in and it works. Nothing against Samsung at all.

[OneSickPup]

Fine by me (so far). I plugged it in and it works. Nothing against Samsung at all.

No problem - just didn't know if you knew. I have a SH-S182D and like it quite well - not my favorite burner but does well with most media.

[Redcell6]

No problem - just didn't know if you knew. I have a SH-S182D and like it quite well - not my favorite burner but does well with most media.

It's all good. This is my first burner ever so I have yet to see what works/doesn't work when it comes to burning/ripping/etc.

Cheers!