PX-708A - Problem reading Cd's

[pankjer]

I have a problem with my PX-708A. It can read and burn DVD's ok but it has a problem reading Cd-Rs. I've tried different brands, cleaned the laser lens and updated the firmare with no luck. I've visited the Plextor support page but I haven't seen any information that could help me. Has anybody run into a problem like this and been able to fix it without an RMA or buying a new burner?

[DarrellS]

I had the same problem with my first Liteon and found out after I had flashed the firmware that it was a common problem with the older liteons and that I could've returned or exchanged it if I hadn't voided the warranty with the firmware flash.

When I bought the two newer Liteons, the first thing I read when I opened the box was a notice to hurry up and update the firmware. Yeah right.

[budz]

I have a problem with my PX-708A. It can read and burn DVD's ok but it has a problem reading Cd-Rs. I've tried different brands, cleaned the laser lens and updated the firmare with no luck. I've visited the Plextor support page but I haven't seen any information that could help me. Has anybody run into a problem like this and been able to fix it without an RMA or buying a new burner?

The Plextor 708A drive is the first dvd burner I purchased and is still going strong probably because I have so many other burners that I use. Do the self diagnostic test on the 708A drive. The instructions are in the manual or go to the Plextor website to search for it. If it fails the diagnostic test then it maybe time for a new drive or just use it to read/burn dvds. It sounds like the laser for cd's has died. The 708A is the second dvd burner that Plextor released about 2 1/2 years ago. Plextor USA only has a one year warranty on their drives. Plextor Europe has 2 year warranty. Highly unlikely you'll be able to RMA it back to Plextor USA. Also you can post your question at the PLEXTOR FORUM at CdFreaks.com.

[pankjer]

I did a little testing and found something interesting. When I flashed the firmware to v1.12 it wouldn't read any CD's only DVD's. When I flashed the drive again to v1.04 it was able to read older cd's but not any newer ones. Strange!!!

[budz]

Strange is right! I personally will not flash a drive with newer firmware unless there's some problem. As the old saying goes, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". Although I've flashed my BENQ drives back and forth with old and new firmware. It just depends what brand of dvd media that I'm using for different firmware.

[DarrellS]

I personally will not flash a drive with newer firmware unless there's some problem. As the old saying goes, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".

I learned my lesson and it was $120 on sale. An expensive paper weight.