Compaq Armada 1520DM Laptop CD Rom Drive Problem

Hi,

I bought a new Compaq Armada 1520DM laptop around 1997. A few years
ago, it started to have difficultly reading a CD rom, or playing an audio CD.
However, once the CD was "accessed", there was no problem "reading" or
"playing" (audio) the CD. Note: I have not used the CD drive very often.

The problem relates to inserting the CD, and getting the initial
information, which I assume is on the outer most track. Sometimes, I have to
insert the CD several times (and wait) before the CD is finally "accessible"
(I hear the "spin up" sound, I know from now on, the CD is accessible).
Other times, it isn't accessible (doesn't "spin up" to full speed).

I had removed the CD rom drive (note: I am a TV service tech) and checked
the head movement freedom to the outer edge and I found no "interference"
or no physical reason the head can't "reach" that position.

Any information about what might cause this problem will be greatly
appreciated.

Thanks in advance, Brad

Before you type your password, credit card number, etc.,
be sure there is no active key logger (spyware) in your PC.

 

CDs are read starting from the centre, and the table of contents (TOC) is
near the centre.

http://www.pctechguide.com/09cdr-rw_Formats.htm

Have you tried cleaning the lens? It has to be done properly or damage can
occur, or at least the cleaning will be ineffective. A dirty lens should
always be suspected first when there's read difficulties.

It could be that the motor bearings have gummed up over the years due to
lack of use. With CDRoms, especially laptop CDRoms, it is often very
difficult or even impossible to lubricate the motor bearings. The symptoms
would be like you have- sluggish to read the disc's at first but better once
full power is applied to the motor to spin it up to full speed.

Dave

Dave