CD drive won't recognize disc. Should I give

[lindabase2007]

Before posting, I searched for answer to no avail -- My pc has internal CD drive.  Think it's a 52x24x52 CD-RW based on what I saw in hardware profiles (I'm not sure, though, because the computer is a hand-me-down!)  It used to work, but now when I insert a disc, the drive's motor revs up (loudly!), but the computer will not recognize that a disc is already inserted.  

Have tried a number of different discs:  brand new blank, ATT modem disc (the one I really need to dowload), music disc, etc. with same result.  I uninstalled the CD drive and rebooted and reinstalled, but no help.  Anything else I can do before giving up?  Clean optics?  But, if that is a possible fix, I have no idea how to do it.  

I know a new drive is inexpensive, but I just moved cross-country and am in between jobs so every penny counts!  

Thanks for any help you can provide.  

[patio]

Usually it's the optics that go first on those drives. You could try cleaning the laser lens but it does sound like it's shot.

[lindabase2007]

Thanks.  I have no idea how to clean the lens (or even how to get to it).  Is there some cleaning kit or special disc I should buy in order to clean the lens?  

[patio]

Yes there are cleaning disks available at any computer store...

Good Luck to you.

If it doesn't work newegg can ship you a brand new DVD burner for about 40 bucks.

[GX1_Man]

And hopefully you haven't spent $10-15 on a cleaner that will not fix an old drive with worn out optics.

[WillyW]

- - -

Have tried a number of different discs:  - -  - ATT modem disc (the one I really need to dowload),

 

ATT modem disc?
Venturing a guess -  would that be drivers for your modem?   maybe you are re-installing it?

There might be another way to get them.   This won't solve your general problem with the drive of course,  but you might be able to solve this one problem for now.

Describe the modem.   As many details as you can supply.

Maybe someone reading here can tell you where you can download the drivers online, circumventing the need to read the CD.

[lindabase2007]

Thanks for the advice, Patio.   (GO BEARS!!!!!!)  

[lindabase2007]

Re your query Willy W, I'm trying to install modem driver for first time.  I recently moved from Vegas to a Chi-town suburb and am (temporarily) living w/a relative, who has ATT DSL.  Had cable co. broadband in Vegas.  The modem ATT provided says it's a Siemens SpeedStream 4100.  Your idea is a good one -- maybe I can connect via phone line and then dowload the driver for the modem?  I'll check that out.  GO BEARS!!!! (Hope you're not a Colts fan!)  

[patio]

Those modems require no drivers...although the ATT CD is required to finish setting up your account.
There is a way to set it up without the software.

Here Ya Go

patio.

[lindabase2007]

Thank you Swami, Patio.  I truly appreciate your very resourceful suggestion.  Regret, however, that it and the associated link may not work for me in this particular situation because:  1) my OS is W2000, not XP; and 2) the DSL line is already registered to my sister anyway -- at least I presume it is, because I'm connecting to it via her Mac right now. (Alas, the Mac has no word processing, which I need in order to edit my resume, which I need to e-mail a lot so I can find a JOB.  In the short term, I have gratefully been taking full advantage of the local library's free computer lab but it's rather a pain to go there every day.)  

So, the Q is:  if I can a) connect via phone line; and b) download the driver; and c) then am required by ATT and/or Yahoo to register, can I safely re-register for the same DSL line that my sister's Mac is already using?   I would hate to mess up her connection in trying to set up mine.  She told me it took a long time on line with "help" to get hers set up.  Maybe I need to use the same registration info she provided?  (I was planning to simply plug/unplug the DSL line to switch between computers instead of buying a router because I can't really afford to buy one right now.)

[patio]

No.
One phone line = one connection.

A wireless router would be a solution but not in your current economic stage.

Just hook up your machine to her modem when you need to go online. Turn off her modem before swapping machines.