I have a Gateway2000 PII 233mhz win 98se with EOM CD-ROM. My problem is trying to get the CD to spin. If a program is already loaded into the computer for the CD that I am using, it will spin normal once I start the program from the Icon on my desktop, (but CD will not auto start). If it is a new CD (not previously loaded onto the computer), the CD ROM wont spin or even recognize that a CD is present. When I double click on drive D: I will get an error msg stating that "drive d is not accessible, the device is not ready".

I have Removed and reinstalled the drivers from device manager, checked/unchecked the auto insert notification, changed the drive letter to drive E:, and started windows with my Windows 98 Start up disc. All to no avail.

The computer is about 4 years old. Any ideas on how to correct this problem? Could it be a bad CD-ROM or a problem with software somewhere?

Thanks in advance for any help!

when was the last time you did a complete reinstall

------------------
W/Me (memory eater)
Me Help (http://www.webtechgeek.com/center_Frame_win_me_tips.html)
BUDS TS. (http://www.geocities.com/~budallen/whatsnew.html)
answers (http://www.dewassoc.com/support/index.html)

Hello Bryang and welcome,
Hold off on the Complete reinstall for a little bit, we might have some other things to check first. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif
Have you ever had the case open?
Is there a lot of dust and lint in there?
Sounds like it could just be dirty. After 4 years of use, I can only imagine there are Dust Rabbits (you know, large dust bunnies) living in buroughs in there http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif
If you are feeling up to it, you can remove the drive from the machine, pull it's coverings off and blow any dust and crud out of it.
This part makes some people squeemish, I take a Q-Tip and a slight bit of alcohol and wipe off the optic eye. It is very delicate so be very careful!
You also want to make sure you keep your CDs clean as they are what transfers the most dirt to the eye.
In the center of this is a disk about the size of a quarter. It is called the Capstain and needs to be cleaned as well. It is what holds the CD and spinns it.
If this does not help then most likely the drive is going bad and should be replaced.
Good luck http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/cool.gif

------------------
Please let us know if what we suggest helps. This helps us help you better.

Thanks for the ideas guys. This thing is probably pretty dirty on the inside. Its been quite a while since Ive had the cover off. Ill give it a try and may end up just buying a new CD ROM. They are getting pretty cheap these days anyway.