laptop cd/dvd drive

[filbert]

I've got a problem I've never come across before, got a toshiba tecra laptop with a cd/dvd drive that doesn't work, I opened it up and the ribbon/cable is split, so I fit another drive and although the door opens the light works and a cd spins up, the laptop bios doesn't see it, I've now tried 4 different drives and none are seen by the bios, if I put the original drive in it's seen by the bios but doesn't work because of the broken ribbon, any one had a laptop that will only see a certain drive before?
Thanks.

[Spud1]

This may be a silly question to ask, but are the replacement drives identical part numbers to the original one? I have had a similar issue before when trying to use 3rd party replacements, or similar drives that physically fit and have all the correct connections, but were different part numbers.

I have not heard of any consumer laptops that are "keyed" to a certain CD/DVD drive before though, so if its the part numbers are the same..its a bit odd.

Does that laptop have a working install of windows on it? If so, is the drive seen in windows? (you only mention the bios, so just want to clarify!)

Might be worth resetting the bios to default settings, incase there is a configuation setting causing a conflict or something. May also be worth trying a BIOS update if there is one available.

Final thing I can think to check is to try unplugging the laptop hard drive, and then connect the new CD/DVD drive and see if it gets detected then. The master/slave concept still applies with laptops as it does with PCs, so this could also be a conflict causing the issue.

[vti_786]

can't you replace the ribbon on the original drive?

try updating the bios to the latest version.

[filbert]

not the same part numbers, but never known it to be a problem before, can't update bios as cd drive and usb drive isn't seen and no os on hard drive, thought about changing the ribbon but the one's I've got are different, I'm waiting for someone who might have the same drive to get back to me, if not then I'll have to try the bay.
Thanks.

[Spud1]

not the same part numbers.

There is your problem...almost certain. You need to try with one thats the same part number - just because it fits in the bay doesn't mean it will work sadly.

[filbert]

I've never had a problem before, are they not the same as a pc, just an ide connection, you can fit any hdd or optical drive in a pc, doesn't matter make or part number why not a laptop?
Thanks.

[Spud1]

No they are not just the same as a PC - wish they were!

Usually with hard drives you will be OK, as they tend to have just a standard mini-IDE or Sata connection that you can connect to with any 2.5" drive. CD/DVD drives though, whilst usually still using an IDE or Sata bus, often connect with a propriatory connection that may have special pinouts or even may require certain controllers/chips to be onboard in order to work.

Your laptop manual (or the toshiba website) should list all compatible part numbers for your laptop, and googling the part number of a specific CD/DVD drive should also give you a list of laptop models that it will work for. One drive will usually work with hundreds of laptops (and often various makes), but does not mean it will work for yours.

[filbert]

ok never knew that cheers, I'll have to wait on this guy see if he has the correct one.
Thanks.

[filbert]

ok, I didn't get the correct one from my friend so went for one of ebay, same model and number, just fitted it and it works.

Thanks for the info, never thought it would make a difference.