I know, Iknow i'm sure you have heard this problem a million times, I did a search and could not find my exact problem so here it is:

Using Lite-On CD ROM Light stays on (steady) and the drive will not eject. I put a paperclip in the tiny hole to eject CD and that did work. The drive is not listed in BIOS program and is not listed in the device manager or “My Computer” When booting the IBM screen takes a very long time to disappear and start Windows 98 Second Edition. Windows functions perfectly and I have no other problems with this machine. I had a 3 ½ floppy in the drive which had a firmware update for the CD-ROM and I preformed the update and forgot to take the disk out the next time I booted the computer I took the disk out without thinking (before it had finished the update, even though it had already been updated.)

-----> What i have done so far:

-Taken the cover off the machine and disconnected the small black wire and reconnected(that didn't work)

-Disconnected the larger harness going into the right of the Rom.

- I also think i will try to reinstall the firmware version for the CD ROM.

- Updated BIOS (I really didn't think that would work but figured it needed it anyways.)

... and i am still stumped...

Question 2:

I have the IBM manual on my PC so i printed the section on how to reset BIOS using the jumper cable. I took the cover off the machine and tried to find the jumper they were talking about but could not. Also if i reset BIOS will it revert back to the orginal version?

Thanks for your help,

bluebirdvision

I purchased this IBM Netvista 6578-LAU for 25.00 runs perfect came with keyboard mouse which i will replace w/ optical some day and screen

So have you tried in a sense that your computer works fine without the CDROM in it all (Hardware wise), like have you actually disconnected the CDROM and have ruled it to say as the issue as to why the comp BIOS takes time and such?

Just making sure. It is always nice to know if there are other factors to the issue first of all.

If the computer takes a long time to boot something must be config wrong in BIOS or something with the Hardware directly, it should boot fast like it should.

No, I have not tried that will try that NOW,

Thanks, Keep them post a coming.

bbvision

I purchased this IBM Netvista 6578-LAU for 25.00 runs perfect came with keyboard mouse which i will replace w/ optical some day and screen

If the drive is not correctly installed/connected then it will not show in the bios.

Similarly... if you flashed firmware for the CDROM... possibly you may done it a damage permanently and the unit is now useless. But I may be wrong in the last (firmware) regard; "not having dun wot" you did... I can't comment from experience. Possibly others may have more input overall?

How is the drive installed, as in is it set to be a slave to current master HD, or master (on its own eide channel)? Or are you using cable-select?

Also is the ribbon cable properly installed at both ends; and have you go the cable the right way round? There are still some ribbon-cables around with plugs (and some Mobo possibly too) which can "sometimes" allow a ribbon to be installed the wrong way round.

Pin-1 to red stripe on cable (both ends).

Both are discussed rather simply at:

http://sony.storagesupport.com/cgi-...

If the ribbon is NOT installed correctly - then no see in bios...; likewise if NOT properly/securely installed - at both ends... then again no see in bios.

Check all the above first...?

Also visit Lite-on webiste: specifically:

http://us.liteonit.com/us/index.php...

for firmware updates, manuals etc...; you will need to select optical storage and then model number from appropriate drop-down menus.

Bios settings/options "usually" allow a reset to factory defaults; use that?

But if you haven't changed things there... there "didn't ort-a" be any need to reset bios?

Check the above items first - is the drive properly installed etc?

All you will do if you use a jumper to reset BIOS, or remove the battery for a while, is put the various settings to their default values. If you "updated" the BIOS (ie flashed it) then those actions will not revert it back to previous times.

Firmware updates and particularly BIOS updates should only be done when "absolutely essential". It is very rare to need to do either and definitely not when a computer suddenly gives troubles with the existing hardware. They are not in the same street as normal software updates and must not be treated casually.

BIOS updates can be destructive and it is quite easy to write off a motherboard if you get anything wrong (such as using an incorrect download).

Bearing in mind what you have done then I agree that checking the machine without the CD drive connected should now be your first step because we need to establish which symptoms are due to the original fault and which might be due your own actions. You could now have several problems on your hands.

DerekW

Hello, I just uplugged the 4-pin connector to the CD ROm and it took right off. Normally you would only see the IBM screen for a few seconds, well it is back to it's normal speed (Normal.) my only problem is when i plug the drive back in it is slow and the light is back to steady. I do think something is wrong with it and will be getting a different one.

Thanks for all your help,

bluebirdvision

I purchased this IBM Netvista 6578-LAU for 25.00 runs perfect came with keyboard mouse which i will replace w/ optical some day and screen

Glad to hear mobo is OK.

Yep, most likely it is the drive itself.

DerekW

Are you sure you have the IDE cable situated correctly? The red stripe on one edge of it goes towards the power connector.

Who gave you people access to a computer?

I have never had the "hood open" on this computer before and when i purchased it from the school it was surplus (never been used) so i don't think it was wired wrong because i have had this computer for over a year and it worked fine.

Thanks for all your help,

bluebirdvision

I purchased this IBM Netvista 6578-LAU for 25.00 runs perfect came with keyboard mouse which i will replace w/ optical some day and screen

Replace your CDROM drive. It looks like it has gone faulty.

___________________________________________
☺ When everything else fails, read the instructions.

... we have an echo LOL.

DerekW

nah... momentary parallel universe overlap/interleave...

happens all the time...

HI,

Wanted to update you on my status. I replaced the CD-ROM drive with an LG that the school took out of a computer. It works perfect. I believe they have had some trouble with the LITE-ON CD-ROM drives as many are replaced with the LG. I have read that LG is not the best brand to have, but it will work for now.

Thanks for the help,

bluebirdvision

I purchased this IBM Netvista 6578-LAU for 25.00 runs perfect came with keyboard mouse which i will replace w/ optical some day and screen

Thanks for the feedback... Good luck from here-on...