hello all, i've done something really stupid and i'm trying to find out wether i can undo some of this mistake. I've unplugged my cd writer to clean my pc, vacuum some dust, etc. The problem is that when i finished cleaning and re.plugged the cd writer i inserted the power cable in the wrong direction, with the connectors totally inverted. I don't even know how i actually did it, i thought these things only had one position, but it seems like i'm getting stronger and also more stupid. Anyways, after i turned on the pc with the power plug in the wrong position it freezed on the start screen, and then i realized about my mistake, y put the plug in the right position but i didn't get any response from the cd writer, i can't even start windows when it's plugged, i can only start windows when i unplug it leaving just the harddrive plugged. I'm pretty sure that i've burned the writer because of my mistake, i wanna know wether there's any hope for my burner or not. Thanks.

There's hope for using it as a door stop. If you had access to schematics and parts then there would be a possibility, but without those I wouldn't even try it. When all else fails beat the $%!* out of it!!!

Yup, its toast! The CD (and DVD) drives, as well as hard drives - run on DC (direct current). So its probably dust. RichGu WinXP Pro no Service Packs P4 3.2 Prescott / Intel D865 Perl mobo 768 MBs PC3200 DDR

G'day, If I remember correctly, the 4 pins have the two GND lines in the middle with the +5V and +12V lines at each end. This means that if you inserted the connector back to front, then you would have shoved +12V into the 5V line and vice versa. This will probably not have done the electronics on the card inside the player a lot of good.The motor probably wouldn't be affected by the 5V. It certainly sounds like it is U/S. However, if there is any protection circuitry on the drive electronics, then it might just be a blown fuse or protection diode. You would, though, have to pull the lid off and have a look. This wouldn't be a good idea if you are not comfortable with a soldering iron.Still, if you see any black burn marks, then that would be where the problem lies. With today's prices, it probably isn't worth the bother, unless you just want the learning experience. regards, Elric

scrap it as the 12v went thru circuites designed for 5v, so you fried it so get another one. somewhat expensive lesson learned david