Hi,
I bought a new Compaq Armada 1520DM laptop around 1997. A few years ago, it started to have difficultly reading a CD rom, or playing an audio CD. However, once the CD was "accessed", there was no problem "reading" or "playing" (audio) the CD. Note: I have not used the CD drive very often.
The problem relates to inserting the CD, and getting the initial information, which I assume is on the outer most track. Sometimes, I have to insert the CD several times (and wait) before the CD is finally "accessible" (I hear the "spin up" sound, I know from now on, the CD is accessible). Other times, it isn't accessible (doesn't "spin up" to full speed).
I had removed the CD rom drive (note: I am a TV service tech) and checked the head movement freedom to the outer edge and I found no "interference" or no physical reason the head can't "reach" that position.
Any information about what might cause this problem will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance, Brad
Before you type your password, credit card number, etc., be sure there is no active key logger (spyware) in your PC.