dvd drive drives me mad

[Verschoren]

I need some help..

while burning a dvd the system stopped the burning proces and gave an error which said there was some communication error with the dvd drive
it then ejected the dvd and now my Powerbook won't accept any dvd's or cd's anymore.

when I insert a dvd it's accepted, but the disc won't start spinning and I hear some faint beeping sounds and a few seconds later the dvd is ejected again..

After restarting I checked the 'About This Mac' - 'More Info' - 'Diagostics' window and it said it passed the startup test..

Now I have 3 little questions:
1) is there any chance this is a softwareproblem, and if so: any quick way to fix it?
2) is there a way to run the apple hardwaretest without using the dvd (cause I can't read it)
3) if the drive is really broken (hope not..): does anyone know how much a new one will cost?

extra info:
Powerbook 17" 1ghz
matshita DVD-R UJ-815 (or a DVD-R / CD-R drive)


I have seen 2 movies and imported a cd into itunes this afternoon and the drive seemed to work fine.. it's only after starting to burn the dvd that it failed to work..

thanks..

 

[chaos86]

Sorry to hear about your problems. If it's within a year, Apple will replace the drive (someone else please confirm the number is 1 year).

on ifixit it cost $200
The model number for the 8x superdrive is UJ-835-B. Search for that on pricegrabber and you'll find it as low as $100 (when I bought a few months ago), but I think I got a good deal so expect to pay ~$135.

 

[Artful Dodger]

Hi, to answer two and three...let me say that my Intel iMac came with a SD that was DOA.
Now what I did was I had an external LaCie dvd burner (you might not have one) but if a friend has one, try using that to run your hardware test disc. That's just what I did with mine however it still passed the hardware test.
Next step was take it in to an Apple store and have them look at it, I hope you have Applecare since the Apple price for the SD (well mine was $390 US) but there are other places that sell and put them in for less.
Not sure what else to tell you at this point other than good luck

 

[chaos86]

I hope you have Applecare since the Apple price for the SD (well mine was $390 US) but there are other places that sell and put them in for less.

Dude you paid them to replace a drive that was DOA? Are you mad? You paid for a working drive, they owed you a working drive, you shouldn't have left Apple property until they gave you a working drive.

 

[Artful Dodger]

Dude you paid them to replace a drive that was DOA? Are you mad? You paid for a working drive, they owed you a working drive, you shouldn't have left Apple property until they gave you a working drive.

Okay now read the post right "my Intel iMac" so it's new so AppleCare covered it but the slip they give you has the prices on it as well as the repair that was done. I'm just giving him/her a ballpark price figure for repair/install of such an item if no AppleCare is left

 

[chaos86]

Okay now read the post right "my Intel iMac" so it's new so AppleCare covered it but the slip they give you has the prices on it as well as the repair that was done. I'm just giving him/her a ballpark price figure for repair/install of such an item if no AppleCare is left

alright, i get you. you didnt say that though. i just hate to see other consumers get screwed when we have rights.

 

[Artful Dodger]

alright, i get you. you didnt say that though. i just hate to see other consumers get screwed when we have rights.

No, trust me, do a search about Intel iMacs here and see I'm on my Sixth one now because of dumb little stuff. I don't take it but it takes just the right amount to push my buttons After all is said and done I've read the fine print, so I'm hoping the OP still has AppleCare time left as they should replace it for him/her (should be a him with Thomas) asap.

 

[chaos86]

I'm on my Sixth one now because of dumb little stuff.

That made me wonder, when they give you a new one, do they restart the countdown on your applecare because its a new machine?

 

[Artful Dodger]

That made me wonder, when they give you a new one, do they restart the countdown on your applecare because its a new machine?

Yes as per the manager at the Apple Store, so hang on to the receipt they give you as it will have a new purchased/exchanged date.

This is a link for Thomas421 just incase you don't have AppleCare and need a drive http://www.mcetech.com/

 

[Verschoren]

thanks for the advice guys