Faulty internal DVD drive causing other issues

I have an Intel iMac running 10.6.8, with a Matshita UJ-875 DVD/CD drive. A few days ago, the DVD drive crapped out, or so I think. Wouldn't recognize a CD...just spit it out after some whirring.
When I came to work this morning, all I got was the gray screen. I've done SMC reset, zapped the PRAM a couple times, started in "Safe" mode and ran disk utility...which came up with a couple dozen "permissions" to repair, most involving "Core Services/Remote Management" or "Java/Java Virtual Machines." After I ran that once, the computer started up, recognized a CD, and even imported songs. I was amazed. A 2nd CD was recognized, but I couldn't import from it. Then right back to spitting out.
So, I've done about everything I can think of - started up with/without peripherals, unplugged from the wall and the computer...the SMC, the PRAM...
At one gray screen point today, the computer actually restarted itself three times at about three minute intervals.
A couple of other things...the "Repair Disk" button in Disk Utility is grayed out. Only permissions and verify buttons are active.
Part of the problem - I think - was(is) that the faulty drive was somehow not letting the computer fully shut down.
I could certainly be wrong about that, however, but there were some subtle noises at shutdown that didn't seem right.
Any suggestions or hints? I've ordered an external drive which should arrive tomorrow, if that can somehow assist in the fix...startup disks, etc.

FYI: the drive randomly started working again. It may have something to do with the angle you put the disc in at. Seems to be fine now, though, so I won't look the gift horse in the mouth.

Similar Messages

Internal dvd drive no longer plays idvd burned projects

My internal dvd drive has been acting strange lately. It will play mass produced dvds but does not play my idvd projects, which it used to do. Anyone know if cleaning will help? If so, can you recommend a cleaner for an imac dvd drive?
If cleaning won't help, am I better off going to apple and having it replaced, or simply buying a compatible external drive? If an external, any recommendations?
Thanks!

You can use any proprietary lens cleaner for a DVD/CD player, except the ones using a liquid.
When you have cleaned the Superdrive, do a bit of maintenance:
Repairing permissions is important, and should always be carried out both before and after any software installation or update.
Go to Disk Utility (this is in your Utilities Folder in your Application folder) and click on the icon of your hard disk (not the one with all the numbers).
In First Aid, click on Repair Permissions.
This only takes a minute or two in Tiger, but much longer in Leopard.
Background information here:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=25751
and here:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=302672
An article on troubleshooting Permissions can be found here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2963
By the way, you can ignore any messages about SUID or ACL file permissions, as explained here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1448?viewlocale=en_US
If you were having any serious problems with your Mac you might as well complete the exercise by repairing your hard disk as well. You cannot do this from the same start-up disk. Reboot from your install disk (holding down the C key). Once it opens, select your language, and then go to Disk Utility from the Utilities menu. Select your hard disk as before and click Repair.
Once that is complete reboot again from your usual start-up disk.
More useful reading here:
Resolve startup issues and perform disk maintenance with Disk Utility and fsck
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1417?viewlocale=en_US
For a full description of how to resolve Disk, Permission and Cache Corruption, you should read this FAQ from the X Lab:
http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/repairprocess.html
Then reboot your Mac and try burning a DVD again.

System Restore without working internal DVD drive - dv9210us

I have a set of recovery discs sent to me by HP for my dv9210us. I'm trying to use system recovery, but I'm running into some issues. My internal DVD drive stopped working some time ago. It is not a hardware issue with the drive, as I've purchased a new one with the same result (both work for roughly 10 minutes at a stretch once every few months, but that's a whole separate set of posts ). Anyway, I have an external dvd drive, but I can't get the laptop to boot from it, and I can't boot from the internal obviously.
I have tried using the "F12" option at the startup screen, as well as using recovery manager from within Windows to initiate a restore. Both of these end up the same - as the machine boots, I basically get a black and white screen asking to select the operating system to boot. The only choice is "Windows Vista (recovered)". I select this, and the machine boots up as usual. No recovery takes place at all.
Am I missing something? Is there any way to restore this machine without the internal DVD drive working? Ironically, I was kind of hoping the restore would fix my DVD drive issue . One thought on this, not sure if it's related at all, but I had recently done a windows restore point (rolled back a few days trying to correct an issue where DVD playback suddenly started displaying in "negative" colors (aaaarrrrggghhhh)). I'm not sure if that could have affected the options that are available when I do the F12 startup (since it says "recovered")? Probably not, just grasping at straws...Please help...

F11 gets HP recovery from the hard drive if it has it.
Scroll down to "Restore the PC to its original condition with the HP Recovery Manager if Windows Vista is not accessible"
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00809678&tmp_task=solveCategory&cc=us&dlc=en&la...
F12 should get you a boot device list, does the external dvd drive (must be plugged in before power up) show up in the list? If it does highlight it and it should boot from disc 1 if it is in the drive.

System Restore – Blank Hard Drive and non-working internal DVD drive

I have a blank internal hard drive and I’m trying to restore my DV6815nr with Vista back to working order. The trouble is, my internal DVD drive died a while back. I have recovery discs, but the computer doesn't acknowledge the internal drive. When the computer worked, the internal drive didn't show up in device manager, etc... I have an external USB DVD drive that works with the computer (when it was running), but it won't boot from it.
On power up, the internal DVD and USB DVD drive both spin up. I then get a "BOOT MGR is missing" message.
F9 Boot Menu shows:
4. Notebook Hard Drive
6. Network Adapter
F10 System Config in Boot Options shows:
CD ROM Boot
Floppy Boot
Internal Network Adapter Boot
Any way to get the computer running again? Thank you.
I’m sorry, I forgot to mention that I did try a used replacement internal drive that wasn’t recognized either. I guess it could have been defective, but I figured it was on the computer side. I’m hoping there’s a way to get it running without the internal DVD drive?

F9 should show the usb drive if it is connected and shows the power light., try another usb port.
dv6000 seriies had all sorts of motherboard failures in large numbers, this could be the reason the drive does not show up in F9. May or may not be your problem, but the internal dvd drive disappearing from Windows is one symptom of motherboard issues.
I am not familiar with your bios but some models did have the ability to disable usb boot.

To install Tiger, some Macs need internal DVD drive, or CD version of Tiger

Disclaimer: Apple does not necessarily endorse any suggestions, solutions, or third-party software products that may be mentioned in the topic below. Apple encourages you to first seek a solution at Apple Support. The following links are provided as is, with no guarantee of the effectiveness or reliability of the information. Apple does not guarantee that these links will be maintained or functional at any given time. Use the information below at your own discretion.
Some Macs while they have Firewire, don't support Target Disk Mode, nor Firewire booting. These Macs if they came with no DVD drive, and only a CD drive or CD-RW drive (as opposed to combo or superdrive), can only install Tiger (Mac OS X 10.4) if you:
1. Install a compatible internal DVD drive from which supports http://www.patchburn.de/ or other firmware that supports Mac OS X booting.
2. Find the original retail CD version of Mac OS X 10.4 that was available for a limited time called the Media Exchange Program CD.
These Macs include the Blue and White G3 desktop (non-iMac), and the PCI PowerMac G4 described below:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=58418
The iMac G3 with built-in Firewire, iBook G3 with built-in Firewire, and AGP PowerMac G4 with built-in Firewire at least support Firewire booting and Target Disk Mode which would allow them to use an external optical DVD drive that supports Mac OS X booting.
If they didn't have an internal DVD drive.
Port #4 in this image below is a Firewire port:
Notes: Macs released on or after April 26, 2005 need to install Tiger from the discs that came with them, or a newer retail release except Intel Macs. Retail release of Tiger is a black disc with a white X logo and does not say Upgrade or Update.
Intel Macs could only install Tiger from the discs that came with them.
Macs released on or after October 26, 2007 can't install Tiger.
Do you want to provide feedback on this User Contributed Tip or contribute your own? If you have achieved Level 2 status, visit the User Tips Library Contributions forum for more information.

What happens if the firmware isn't updated?
The display may stop working, even for OS 9. It is not easy to fix.
I just installed 10.2 on one of them and it seems to be working. Should I uninstall it and upgrade the firmware and start over?
Check the "Boot ROM version" with System profiler. If the firmware is updated it will be 4.1.9
It is not necessary to remove OSX to install the updates if OS 9 is still on the hard drive. If not, and the OS 9 drivers are there, OS 9 can be installed without affecting OSX.
The update won't install if it is not needed.

Internal DVD drive is shot. Can I install SL from an external DVD drive?

Hi folks, a quick (well actually a few) questions.
I've had my imac since early '06. It's currently running Tiger, and I'd like to install Snow Leopard. The problem is that the internal DVD drive is shot. It's been occasionally refusing to accept DVDs for a while now, and now it has a DVD stuck in it (not mounted), which I can't get out via terminal, rebooting, or jiggling it (technical term I know).
Now, I'm going to assume that getting apple to replace the DVD drive will be more expensive than just grabbing an external drive, especially as I'll most probably only use it once. The question is, if I grab a cheap external DVD drive, will I be able to install Snow Leopard with it? Or will Tiger not recognise it as a boot drive?
Many thanks,
Chris
p.s. Also, I'm using a cheapo windows style keyboard (will be replacing asap), and I'm wondering if this is why I can't see bootable drives when holing option on startup?

Yes, you can install from an external drive, although I wouldn’t go for a cheap one. There are good, relatively inexpensive, drives out there. And you are going to need that option key to select the install disk as your startup. I believe there is a corresponding key on a PC keyboard, but I don’t know what it is (maybe Alt?). I’m sure someone can jump in here and tell us.

Internal DVD Drive isn't working... must install Windows via Boot Camp

My internal DVD Drive has died. Just keeps ejecting every CD or DVD I put in it.
*The real problem is that i need to install Windows via BootCamp...*
I've already defraged my Hard Drive and partioned it for the Windows installation
But even using an external USB DVD Drive I couldn't get to boot up from it
to install Windows XP SP3.
BootCamp lets me use the windows disc that is inside my external DVD drive
and it even restarts... but after the restart chime, and the grey screen, it doesn't
start the windows installation... it continues to boot to my Mac partition.
(i've tried to manually change the boot disc in System Preferences, but it was in vain)
I also tried to use another Mac's DVD drive in Target Disk Mode... no results.
I even tried to Copy-Paste the entire file system of a Windows installation from a BootCamp of a friend but had no success making it to work.
*Is there any way I can install Windows with my external DVD drive?*
Because I don't have the cash for buying a new one right now...
And I really need windows installed via BootCamp...
Thanks in advance,

For this problem there no alternative > I bought a new internal DVD drive and then I was able to install Windows via Bootcamp.

Replacing Internal DVD Drive with HDD in Mac Mini?

Has anyone tried replacing the internal DVD drive with a hard drive, giving you TWO internal hard drives? I think you need a cable to match up the SATA connectors. Then you could use a USB external enclosure for the DVD.
Thanks.

Very interesting, thanks el Duque. Too bad MCE doesn't make a carrier for the Mac Mini. I wonder if one for a Macbook Pro can be easily modified to fit?
I have just learned that the SATA connector on the logic board for the optical drive in Macbooks and the Mini is called a "Slim-SATA" connector. Instead of the power side of the connector having 15 pins, it only has 6, with both types of connectors having a standard 7-pin data side. Both power and data hook-ups are achieved in a single connector -- a power side and data side.
Since the ports on 2.5" hard drives are "standard" SATA connectors, AND they don't match up to the logic board's connector location (like with the connector location on the optical drive), a cable is needed to run between the HDD and the logic board connector.
Unfortunately, such a cable is not available -- yet. Instead, one has to be fabricated out of two types of SATA cables -- a Molex 4-pin to SATA 15-pin power cable and a combination cable that looks like this:
http://www.byteccusa.com/product/SATA/SATA-XP118/SATA-XP118.htm
The fabrication involves replacing the molex 4-pin power end of the combi-cable with the SATA power end of the molex 4-pin to SATA power cable (cutting and soldering). The BIG question now is whether a HDD will work with just the two-wire power cable (of the combi-Sata cable) that an optical drive normally uses? Anyone know if it will? Thanks.

How can I get a replacement internal DVD drive?

I bought a refurbished Toshiba P55t-A5202 a few months ago. The internal DVD drive seems to be failing and doesn't always recognize dual-layer DVDs. Some DVDs recognize and play fine. Others aren't even detected and the system thinks no disk is in the drive. I would like to replace the opical drive. I am comforable opening up the sytem and swapping the drive, I just don't know where to buy the replacement part.
Does anyone know who to contact about getting a replacement internal DVD drive?

Hi, and welcome to Apple Support Communities.
Which exact iBook model is it?
You can choose from this list:
http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/ibook/index-ibook.html
Apple may not have the replacement discs at this point, but it's worth a try. You could try giving Apple a call and see if they have them available. If they do, they will send them to you for a fee.
You will need the serial number of the iBook when you call.
http://support.apple.com/kb/TA27282?viewlocale=en_US
Good luck.

IMac mid 2007 won't read internal dvd drive

I have a mid 2007 imac and it no longer recognizes the internal dvd drive when I insert a blank dvd to burn.

Not a thing we can do, it has suffered a hardware failure so your only option is to take it into your local Apple Store or AASP to be serviced.
Good luck.

Internal DVD drive

The internal DVD drive is very loud when it spins up. Is there any thing I can do to stop the noise?

I don't believe so but internal optical drives are so cheap nowadays a switch would be a huge improvement over what you have currently. You can purchase internal DVD drives for around $20 currently.

How can I get Maverisks to recognize internal DVD drive?

The latest macOS, Maverisks, usually does not recognize a DVD disk that is inserted in the internal DVD drive. Is there way to solve this?

Place cd/dvd in drive. cd/dvd icon will show on desktop.
How can I get computer to use external DVD drive?I have a HP dvd640 plug in play drive I want to ude but my iMac dosen't see it as connected.
What is ude?
How is it connected? firewire or usb?
When connected it should appear in system profiler.
blue apple > about this mac > more info button. Click on the hardware line. It has a little triangle in front of the work hardware.
look for firewire or usb.
Robert

G4 PowerMac with Mirror Doors - NEEDS INTERNAL DVD DRIVE

Greetings,
I have been trying to purchase an internal DVD drive for my Mac G4 with mirrored doors. All the DVD drives I've tried all have 5.125" wide doors and will not work on my Mac. The CD drive in the Mac now is 4.875". MacMall has nothing that will fit this Mac and they told me my size is not standard. Does anyone have any ideas, suggestions please??
Thanks,
Dan in Massachusetts

Hi-
Compare the following two drives:
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Apple/DVR109AB/
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Pioneer/DVR112DBK/
Note that the 109 has no front bezel, and slips in with no modification. The 112 has a front bezel, but, as noted by Flycast, can easily be removed, and will fit into your computer.
Whomever told you your computer is "non-standard" knows little of Mac's......
G4AGP(450)Sawtooth, 2ghz PowerLogix, 2gbRAM, 300gbSATA+160gbATA, ATI Radeon 9800 Mac OS X (10.4.8) Pioneer DVR-109, ExtHD 160gb x2, 23"Cinema Display, Ratoc USB2.0, Nikon Coolscan

A disk in the DVD drive causes a crash, machine will not start

I have a fairly bizarre problem, searched, didn't find it in here so... maybe I am special. Anyway. I have a 2.4ghz MBP with 4GB of memory. I got it in November (with Leopard). It has worked without an issue until I started tonight to give bootcamp a go on it.
Symptoms:
- Leopard boots up fine, logged in, nothing else open
- Insert any disk (DVD, CD-R)
- Leopard crashes
- continues to cycle through a restart but it keeps crashing waits 1 min, restarts, repeat
- Even tried a Leopard disk
Tried:
- disk utility to look at things
- can't load anything to check the hardware cause its cd based
What I did before it started going nuts?
I used bootcamp to partition the drive. This worked fine. Stuck the XP disk in and it read it fine. Machine rebooted to install XP, this was fine. Things went well until the XP install asked for a reboot. Then it restarts, disk failure. I eject disk and select OS X. Off we go, things are good.
I delete partition thinking something got screwed up. Tried again. This time when I put the XP disk in the thing crashes while in Leopard.
While I have typed this my machine has restarted a dozen times on its own. It is kinda funny to watch but *** has happened to it? I can't even re-install Leopard... no drive.
The DVD drive does spin up but after a few seconds it crashes. Any ideas out there?

Maybe related...
Bought a 2.6G MBP yesterday, brought it home, booted up, everything great until I started loading my apps---CDs/DVDs would spin and spin, then eject---then Install Disc 1 froze the system. Can't eject the disc---onboard fans racing like jet engines and the keyboard area near the screen seemed very hot. Posted last night---someone thinks either bad optical drive or motherboard. About to go see a Genius now. For $3K+, this pretty much *****.

System won't boot to my internal DVD drive

After receiving an imminent HDD failure warning, I replaced my internal hard drive and have been trying to use the Recovery Media (DVDs) I created to reboot my system. I get the error message "No bootable device -- insert boot disk and press any key" even though I have chosen Internal CD/DVD ROM as the first boot drive choice. When I go into the Startup Menu at bootup there seems to be a conflict between F9 Boot Device Options and F10 System Configuration-Boot Order. F9 does not give me a CD/DVD ROM choice; only the internal HDD or a USB ext HD or key drive. Under F10 I can change the boot order to show the CD/DVD ROM as the first boot drive choice, but that never shows up under F9. I am pretty confident my Recovery Media are good. But the system doesn't seem to want recognize any DVD.
It will, however, recognize USB devices. Is there a way I can configure the USB ext HD as a boot device?
By the way, when I reinstall the old HDD, the system works just fine (except for the warnings). And the DVD drive works fine, too.

It is possible the Recovery Disks are bad. Do you have another machine you could test them on to see if they are bootable? F9 should give you the cd/dvd option no matter what boot order is set in BIOS-If there is bootable media detected.
******Clicking the Thumbs-Up button is a way to say -Thanks!.******
**Click Accept as Solution on a Reply that solves your issue to help others**

Faulty internal DVD drive causing other issues

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for