Verifying the CD-ROM cables are correctly connected

Issue

Verifying the CD-ROM cables are correctly connected.

Cause

1. Moving the computer may cause the cables to become loose or disconnected from the CD-ROM drive.
2. When installing a new CD-ROM drive you may need to verify the cables are connected properly.
3. When installing another drive, the jumpers may need to be checked.

Solution

As mentioned above there are several different causes that can cause cables to become loose on your CD-ROM drive. Below are steps on how to check the connections on a CD-ROM drive. Because these steps require that you open your computer and work inside make sure you're aware of the potential ESD hazards by reviewing our ESD page.

Opening the computer

Open your computer and locate the CD-ROM and each of the cables connected to it. Below is an illustration and picture of what an IDE/EIDE CD-ROM looks looks like.

Verify connections

Your CD-ROM should have at least two cables connect to it, a power cable and IDE cable that should also be connected to your motherboard or other interface card. Disconnect the IDE cable from the back of the CD-ROM and reconnect it, do the same on the opposite end of the cable.

Next, if your CD-ROM drive is not getting any power disconnect the cable from the back of the drive and reconnect it.

Finally, some computers will also have a small third cable used to interface the CD-ROM with the sound card. If the audio for your CD audio CDs is not working properly verify that this cable is not disconnected from the back of the CD-ROM.

Check jumpers

If you've recently installed any new disk drives such as a new hard drive verify that the jumpers are properly set on the back of the CD-ROM. Having the jumpers set improperly to master or slave can cause the CD-ROM to not work.