Dvd not seen in Bios (seen in Windows)

Discussion in 'hardware' started by Pascal2, Nov 6, 2010.

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  1. Pascal2

    Pascal2 Registered Member

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    Hi,
    I replaced a Dell Nec ND3650A Dvd burner with Pioneer DVR-218L Dvd burner.
    I connected the Pioneer in the same sata port as the Nec (sata2).

    When I boot up I get two short beeps and the following error:
    "DRIVE 2 not found: Serial ATA, SATA-2", "press F1 to continue, F2 for Setup".

    Each time I start the computer, I need to press F1 to boot into Windows.
    The new Dvd plays and burns disks with no problem.

    The Dvd is seen in the device manager (no yellow caution), and in my computer.
    (The Pioneer is seen in ‘My Computer’ as Dvd-Ram Drive E).
    In the Dvd ‘Properties View’ the message is ‘this device is working properly’.

    The following is shown in the Bios :
    For Sata2, ‘Dvd id = unknown’.
    _______________________________________________________________

    My boot sequence is :
    (1) WPC (Hard Drive)
    (2) CD-Rom
    (3) Sata HD not present
    (4) USB Flopy not present

    The conections are:(all drives came as sata) :
    All set to “on“ by Dell

    Sata0 Drive Id = WDC Hard Drive
    Sata1 Drive Id = Hl-Dt-St Dvd-Rom
    Sata2 Drive Id = unknown (note- Pioneer installed here, previously the Nec)
    Sata3 Drive Id = empty
    Sata4 Drive Id = empty
    Sata5 Drive Id = empty

    Sata Operation – Raid On (Dell default)
    ___________________________________________________________

    So, the new Dvd is seen by Windows, but not the Bios.
    I resetted the Bios to factory setting (ran out of ideas), but no change.
    Do I have to reset the Cmos or some other setting in the Bios?


    _______________________________________________________________
    Edited on 10 Nov 2010 by pascal2

    The solution that worked for me (for now):
    Keep a disk in the drive all the time. This stops the error message.

    Thanks wtsinnc and Fiat Lux for your suggestions.
    (I am still afraid to mess with firmware)
    _______________________________________________________________
    Thanks,
    Pascal2.

    Dell 9200
    XP MCE 2005 rollup 2 SP3
    HD drive = c drive
    Dvd rom drive = d drive
    Pioneer RW drive = e drive
     
    Last edited: Nov 10, 2010
  2. wtsinnc

    wtsinnc Registered Member

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2008
    Posts:
    943
    Hello Pascal2;

    I've had this happen a few times with a newly installed hard drive in my Dell E510 running XP.
    First, it appears the Pioneer drive is not in any way defective.
    Just curious; have you tried another SATA cable and/or reconnecting both the SATA and power cables ?

    -And this-
    Try booting as you normally would and when you get the error message, go into the BIOS and disable SATA 2 where the Pioneer drive is connected.
    Reboot. The error message should not appear.
    Now reboot, enter the BIOS and again enable drive 2, then reboot.
    This has worked for me on those rare occasions I experience a drive not showing up properly in BIOS.
    I can't explain why it would happen, but it has with both XP and Windows 2000. I've not (yet) had this occur using Vista, or Windows 7.

    I've read advice to flash the drive, that upgrading the firmware (if an upgrade is available) could help.
    As for me, I'm not a fan of this unless the drive is experiencing performance problems or an advisory from the manufacturer states a firmware revision is needed.

    Good luck !
     
    Last edited: Nov 6, 2010
  3. acuariano

    acuariano Registered Member

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    Nov 4, 2005
    Posts:
    786
    try chaninging the cell battery
     
  4. Fiat_Lux

    Fiat_Lux Registered Member

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2010
    Posts:
    180
    Forum user "wtsinnc" sounds like experienced with the problem so you should probably take "wtsinnc" 's advice and give it a test.

    My remark is just this :
    To me it sounds like a problem with the computers BIOS and that the PC manufacturer ought to fix the problem. If you got problems you ought to check if there is a newer BIOS available for your PC.
    Please do note that BIOS flashing/updating is connected with a certain risc and BIOS updating/flashing should not be attempted unless you are 100% sure what you are doing as you otherwise might render your PC useless.
    When updating BIOS, follow manufacturers guidelines, also be sure to load default values after a succesful BIOS flashing/updating and then setup your BIOS again, save settings, turn off your PC, turn it on again and see if things works better after your BIOS flashing/update.
     
    Last edited: Nov 6, 2010
  5. Pascal2

    Pascal2 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2010
    Posts:
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    Hi wtsinnc,
    I tried your suggestion about disabling and enabling Sata2 in the Bios.
    The error still came up.
    I am also not a fan of messing with the firmware.

    I have not tried another SATA cable and/or reconnecting both the SATA and power cables.
    Should I reconnect into the same Sata2 or another?

    Before I open the case again, I will email Dell to get their response.
    (I need to finish some work before opening the case).

    I will let you know what they said.

    Thanks,
    pascal2.
     
  6. wtsinnc

    wtsinnc Registered Member

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    Posts:
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    I was hoping that would work for you.

    If you try another cable, I would connect exactly as before- just with the different cable.

    Reinstalling the controller driver might help but really, I doubt it.
    Prior to that, I would try the three remaining SATA ports and see if any or all will detect the Pioneer drive.
    I'm guessing Dell will ask if you have already done that as well as if you have reinstalled the SATA controller driver.
    Anyway, maybe Dell can diagnose the problem and provide a fix.
     
  7. Pascal2

    Pascal2 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2010
    Posts:
    7
    Hi,
    Update!
    Strange but true!

    When I insert a disk into the Pioneer drive, shut down, restart the computer,
    the error message disappears.
    I did it three times, and no error.

    Can anyone explain this?

    Thanks.
    pascal2.
     
  8. Fiat_Lux

    Fiat_Lux Registered Member

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    Nov 1, 2010
    Posts:
    180
    BIOS problem !(?)
     
  9. wtsinnc

    wtsinnc Registered Member

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    Posts:
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    Can't explain it.

    Do you now have a permanent fix or do you still get the error message when no disc is in the drive ?
     
  10. Pascal2

    Pascal2 Registered Member

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2010
    Posts:
    7
    Hi wtsinnc,
    Once I remove the disk, shut down and restart, I get the error.
    I have decided keep a disk in the drive all the time.

    I had tried the Dell Diagnostic and Microsoft Fix It. Both found no problems reading the disk.

    The drive reads and burns with no problem.

    In Canada, Dell does not have email help as in the US.
    They have a paid phone service, 'Solution Station Premium Service'.
    I won't call them as my warranty expired.

    Thanks,
    pascal2.
     
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