Gurus - If you think you're good try this challenge!

I'm working on a Toshiba Satellite 1625CDT laptop for a friend. The problem is that whenever I try to access the CD-ROM I get a "Device Not Ready" error message. I get a similar error when trying to access the drive using any of my boot disks.

The CD-ROM is recognized by the BIOS, windows, and the boot disks. Windows lists the CD-ROM in Device Manager as having no problems. I CAN eject the disk from windows.

Here's where it gets troubling: I ordered a new CD-ROM for the laptop and installed it correctly but get the exact same problems. The contacts on each CD-ROM and on the motherboard appear fine (it connects directly to the mobo, no cable).

From this information, the only place I can of that is left is a problem with the motherboard itself since everything is integrated. The laptop is well out of warranty and I'd hate to tell my friend that the whole thing is junk, is there anything I can do?

I do a lot of support on NEC laptops. If you have replaced the drive, BIOS sees it, Windows sees it, but you continue to get this error, then the controller itself may be bad. I would recommend that you try booting the unit with a 98 or ME boot diskette and select to boot with CD-ROM support. If you still can't access the drive, then you have an internal hardware failure. If you can access the drive at that point, you have a Windows problem.

Thanks Un4Given, I guess this means it's bad news time as far as I can tell.

Anyone else reading this: PLEASE reply with what you think about the problem, even if it has already been said.

I had the same problem with a Shuttle AK31 motherboard. I replaced the drive twice, and like Un4given said, tried to access the drive from dos. Kept getting device not ready or not reading in drive d errors. It turned out to be a fried southbridge, aka p-ata controller. Your friend probably needs a new mobo.:(