a few months ago i got another dvd/rw drive and it works fine for a while then it just ceased to read disks and wasn't read by the computer either however it is getting power i have already checked for loose cables and checked the BIOS both to no avail. any ideas? i hate giving up and returning anything before i at least try to locate the problem

Do you have more than 1 CD drive? And if so, does Windows read any of your CD drives?

I've had a problem with Windows XP in the past, where there becomes a cache error that hides all your optical drives from view. They'll show up fine in the BIOS, and even display in the Hardware Manager, yet show an error. And no matter what you do they won't "reinstall" or update drivers.

If you search Google, or Microsoft's help stuff online for that matter, you can find the article on Microsoft that tells you how to fix the problem. It's a slightly advanced fix, and involves deleting a registry key or two.

IF this is your problem, here's the fix: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314060

yes it does read one of them it to is a dvd/rw

If Windows itself shows one drive, then it likely is not the above stated problem. That problem causes any/all your optical drives to disappear.

Very strange. To troubleshoot, you might remove the working drive, and install just the dead one. Reboot and see if it shows. Suppose it's possible you could have a Primary/Slave dispute between the two drives. Although I can't imagine that would work fine, and then suddenly become a problem.

To be safe though, you might check the two drives and make sure they are set apparopriately. (I.E. they aren't both set to Primary or Slave, etc).

Otherwise, I suppose it's possible the drive could be a dud. I dunno that I'm technical enough to go any further than that as far as troubleshooting goes. Might contact the manufacturer if its under warranty still.

i have tried reinstalling the drive with only the one connected. also top drive is master bottom drive slave.

Have you tried a different IDE cable?

several different ones but an interesting thought just the same

If it's under warranty it's time for an RMA.
Buy a new one hell there are cheap.

http://www.pcguide.com/ref/hdd/if/ide/conf.htm
THIS IS VERY HELPFUL ON MASTER/ SLAVE PROBLEMS...sorry for caps...