G4 CD-RW drive can't read CDs - but can burn

Jeece · 05-14-2009, 12:45 PM

So... Our Power Mac G4 (QuickSilver with CD-RW drive, running 10.4.11) at work doesn't seem to recognize any data-containing CD I insert in. (I mean they don't even show up on the desktop or in Disk Utility.) Either original or burned discs, even music CDs. Said disks are of course fine on other computers.

Buuut...

Upon inserting a blank CD, Roxio Toast recognizes it and the program loads! It burns fine too!

After completion, the CD icon even stays on the desktop and I can access data. Eject-Inject CD and *poof*, my Mac nags me "No Jeece, there isn't any CD in my drive!

"

What I'd like to know is if it's hardware or software related? I can change a CD-ROM just fine (if I can find one that fits - is it just a regular PC drive without the faceplate? Or is it a unit built expressly for Macs? Guess we could upgrade for a SuperDrive at the same time). But then even blank CDs would fly under the radar of the system, right?

If it's software (OS-X, app conflict...), well, I'm less knowledgeable about this.

Anybody has an idea about this?

Thanks all!

trevor · 05-14-2009, 01:34 PM

Create a new user on your computer. Log into that new user. Now put a data CD into the drive. Is it recognized normally on the brand new user?

Yes, optical drives are the same for Windows PCs and Macs. You'll need an ATAPI optical drive, not a SATA optical drive. I'd recommend a Pioneer.

Trevor

Jeece · 05-14-2009, 02:41 PM

Thanks for the input Trevor!

I tried the new user method. Still no drive.

Right after I insert a CD, I can hear the CD-ROM "chirping", like when it reads data, but not spooling up (accelerating). Weird. The drive is probably borked, but maybe it's a dust issue... Will investigate the Hardware route, disassemble the thing and blow some air...

If it doesn't work out, I hope I can get my boss to buy a MacPro (or even an iMac would be an improvement!) instead, but he'll probably prefer the "CD-ROM replacement" route.

05-14-2009, 12:45 PM	#1
Jeece Prospect Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Granby, Canada Posts: 5	G4 CD-RW drive can't read CDs - but can burn So... Our Power Mac G4 (QuickSilver with CD-RW drive, running 10.4.11) at work doesn't seem to recognize any data-containing CD I insert in. (I mean they don't even show up on the desktop or in Disk Utility.) Either original or burned discs, even music CDs. Said disks are of course fine on other computers. Buuut... Upon inserting a blank CD, Roxio Toast recognizes it and the program loads! It burns fine too! After completion, the CD icon even stays on the desktop and I can access data. Eject-Inject CD and poof, my Mac nags me "No Jeece, there isn't any CD in my drive! " What I'd like to know is if it's hardware or software related? I can change a CD-ROM just fine (if I can find one that fits - is it just a regular PC drive without the faceplate? Or is it a unit built expressly for Macs? Guess we could upgrade for a SuperDrive at the same time). But then even blank CDs would fly under the radar of the system, right? If it's software (OS-X, app conflict...), well, I'm less knowledgeable about this. Anybody has an idea about this? Thanks all!

05-14-2009, 01:34 PM	#2
trevor Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Boulder, CO USA Posts: 19,560	Create a new user on your computer. Log into that new user. Now put a data CD into the drive. Is it recognized normally on the brand new user? Yes, optical drives are the same for Windows PCs and Macs. You'll need an ATAPI optical drive, not a SATA optical drive. I'd recommend a Pioneer. Trevor __________________ How to ask questions the smart way

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05-14-2009, 02:41 PM	#3
Jeece Prospect Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Granby, Canada Posts: 5	Thanks for the input Trevor! I tried the new user method. Still no drive. Right after I insert a CD, I can hear the CD-ROM "chirping", like when it reads data, but not spooling up (accelerating). Weird. The drive is probably borked, but maybe it's a dust issue... Will investigate the Hardware route, disassemble the thing and blow some air... If it doesn't work out, I hope I can get my boss to buy a MacPro (or even an iMac would be an improvement!) instead, but he'll probably prefer the "CD-ROM replacement" route.