Trying to fix 1 of 2 pc's after touching it

[friedemann]

Of course with the "swapping" of parts, one tends to mess up 2 machines(not just one.
This is what I did. It was suggested that I swap the CDROMs (a player for a burner/player)
OK, did that physically(with the screws) No drivers (what do I know - not much) Had problems.
So, returned them to their original computers. Still have problems.

Just addressing 1 computer - it is loaded with Win98se. It cannot see the CDROM

I have Win98se cd. I have a Windows 3 1/2" startup disk.
I have a Nero cd(for the CDROM burner - (Benq)

The Windows program still seems to work fine in the pc and yet I don't know how to get it to see the CDRom exactly. The light goes on with a CD in but nothing happens.

Can you direct me? Thanks.

[BipolarBill]

You have to be certain that the jumpers are set properly.

If the CD drive is on the end of a cable, set it to Master (MA).

If the drive is on the middle connector (optional), set it to Slave (SL).

Keep in mind that you cannot have two masters or slaves on one cable! If there is another drive on the cable with your CD drive, it must be set opposite to it.

Check both drives for bent or collapsed pins. They can be straightened or even pulled straight out with needle-nosed pliers, so don't panic if they appear damaged. I once had to remove a drive cover to push a pin out so that I could grab it with the pliers. Even that worked!

Be careful to use adequate light. There is nothing more frustrating and lame than breaking something because you were too lazy or hurried to get a light.

Be sure that the power connectors are plugged in and that the wires to those connectors are where they belong.

[Coolzer]

setting to CS may also fix the problem. I do prefer setting MA and SL myself though.

[BipolarBill]

CS (cable select) doesn't work with the older 40-wire cables. Any PC with Win98 would likely have the older cables.

[jasonz0rz]

The drive on the XP machine may be functioning with auto-run disabled.

Go to Start > My Computer and look for the Devices with Removeable Storage category, click the CD drive listed - if a list of files comes up, you're golden.

[friedemann]

Okay. You guys are jumping a few dozen steps ahead of me. You assume I know where everything is.
To me a jumper is someone on the edge of a building or cliff....or a wire that leads off a power wire such as in a light.
Everything is hooked up as it was before. I just disconnected it and took it out and swapped with another....then put it back in the same machine.
So, are you telling me that the computer automatically reset itself?
If so, where is this master slave switch or is there?
This is Windows 98se on a Pentium lll Dell OptiPlex GX1 desktop computer.

I am sorry if I sound like an idiot. Mid life crisis. So yeah, older than a teenager by 3x's - a mechanic& repairperson ... so you know I did not break anything.

[Coolzer]

Sorry. You're right.
How to Build Your Own PC - Setting Hard Drive Jumpers

that might get you started. Google got me a few sites, that was the first one.

FYI: Primary is MA, Secondary is SL.


Also on the top of your own HDD there are jumper settings. Check these first
cheers

[BipolarBill]

If you didn't change any jumpers on the initial switch, then examine both drives for bent or pushed-in pins. I covered that too, BTW.

[friedemann]

I also told you I wasn't a "grunt" with a hammer and that the cables were checked with an ohmmeter to be sure there was continuity(no breaks) Pins are fine.

[BipolarBill]

Quote:

Originally Posted by friedemann

I also told you I wasn't a "grunt" with a hammer and that the cables were checked with an ohmmeter

Where did you say that? I just re-read the entire thread and you said no such thing that I can see.

Honestly, CD drives are dirt cheap. Maybe you should just replace both. They *do* age and stop working.