Seems like a common topic, but the prior threads didn't seem to be exactly the same. Sorry, if this is duplicating previous questions. I have a Dell Dimension E521, under 2 years old. CD/DVD Drive suddenly (after no performance issues) stopped reading any discs I placed in it. I first tried mulitiple different discs (both music & data). Then I tried restoring my system to a point when I know it was working, but nothing. In the device manager it was stating, "This device is not working properly," but didn't provide a code or anything. I tried running the diagnostic check by hitting F12 upon start up, and when it came back with "TSSTCorp DVD+/-RWT - Diagnostics not supported." I then tried uninstalling the driver, and rebooting and allowing Windows to recognize the new hardware. In the device mngr, it then said it was working properly, but nothing had changed, it still wasn't recognizing the discs. The drive is: TSSTcorp DVD+-RW TS-H553A. Is there anything I should do, or should I just buy a new drive, they seem pretty cheap. If I should just buy a new drive, how do I know if I have an IDE or SATA interface? Any other potential issues with a new one, I saw something mentioned about proprietary face plates or something, but wasn't sure what that meant? Thanks a lot.

I won't address the failing hardware, it may be far less effort to simply replace the drive.

The faceplate that is "proprietary" is attached to the front of your existing CD with simple clips. When you remove it, you will have no trouble popping the faceplate off. You will also then see what type connection is needed, so you kill two birds by just taking the drive out.

For the new drive, just pop the faceplate on and install it. Follow whatever instructions come with and use the driver disk included.

After you get it installed, be sure to connect to the internet and update that driver. This is a simple project overall, so I encourage this as the most quick and least frustrating route.

Perhaps take this opportunity to replace the drive with a DVD-Writer. Mine only cost $25... and it does CDs, too.