Need computer help

[Frizzled]

I have a Dell inspiron 8200 that won't recognize the disc drive. When I try to burn a CD it tell me to put a disc in the drive. There's already a brand new disc in it. Does anyone have any ideas what I need to do to fix it. Thanks.
I forgot to add that the drive will work if the disc has something on it, I can look at pictures or download stuff to my computer.

 

[Danceswithchicks]

Hmmm... I don't know! Dell has a customer helpline you should call that.

 

[sharol]

You may have a dead CD burner. They are quite mechanical, so sometimes they do that. The 8200 has been around for a while, so that is a real possibility. I think the burner on that machine comes out without disassembling the whole laptop (a button on the drive you press and it ejects it). You may be able to get a different drive from Dell or on the web. If the drive is dead, there is one on EBAY http://cgi.ebay.com/Dell-Inspiron-8...C_Drives_Storage_Internal&hash=item5ad0849ee7 (he seems to have several) for around $50.00.

Sharol (also ComputerTutor when I get my cape and tights)