CD Burner Going Bad?

[jpa2825]

It seems like my CD burner is going bad. As I was ripping CDs into iTunes and burning some playlists to CDs, I started to hear some whirring & clunking that didn't sound good. Last CD to come out of burn was not readable. Now when I put a music CD in, I get a message that the computer can't read it. When I put the same CD in the DVD drive, it comes up fine. When I try to burn something to CD, I get the message that the CD is either wrong type or not big enough (when trying to burn a 1.9MB Access file!!!).

1 - Is it possible/common for CD/CD-RW drives to give out? (Compaq about 2 yrs. old)

2 - If yes, I'd be better replacing it than repairing it, right?

3 - If yes, shouldn't I replace it w/ a DVD burner for ~$140 to get more flexibility? (DVD burners can burn CDs as well, right?)

4 - Is it really simple to remove the broken CD burner drive and replace it w/ a DVD burner (i.e., plug n' play?)

TIA for any help.

[AndyH]

Originally posted by jpa2825
It seems like my CD burner is going bad. As I was ripping CDs into iTunes and burning some playlists to CDs, I started to hear some whirring & clunking that didn't sound good. Last CD to come out of burn was not readable. Now when I put a music CD in, I get a message that the computer can't read it. When I put the same CD in the DVD drive, it comes up fine. When I try to burn something to CD, I get the message that the CD is either wrong type or not big enough (when trying to burn a 1.9MB Access file!!!).

1 - Is it possible/common for CD/CD-RW drives to give out? (Compaq about 2 yrs. old)

Sure, it can happen...luck of the draw.

Originally posted by jpa2825
2 - If yes, I'd be better replacing it than repairing it, right?

Yes, replace it. I doubt you could even find anyone who would repair it.

Originally posted by jpa2825
3 - If yes, shouldn't I replace it w/ a DVD burner for ~$140 to get more flexibility? (DVD burners can burn CDs as well, right?)

If you want the ability to burn DVD's, or to use the drive for backups then I'd say go for the upgrade.

Originally posted by jpa2825
4 - Is it really simple to remove the broken CD burner drive and replace it w/ a DVD burner (i.e., plug n' play?)

Yes, it should be a pretty straightforward swap. This article in PC World should give you a general idea of what's involved in the installation process:
http://www.pcworld.com/howto/article/0,aid,41021,00.asp

Or this how-to:
http://www.techtv.com/callforhelp/howto/story/0,24330,2105838,00.html

Good luck!