iMac "forgets" about disks in the Superdrive

[Clive At Five]

I've been having this problem for a number of years and I've never found a solution: I can insert a CD or DVD and will be able to read/write/whatever just fine. However, if I leave the disk in the drive for a few minutes without using it, my computer will forget it's there. iTunes won't be able to play music off of it. I can't install files from it, whatever. The worst part is: in trying to find it, my computer will go into an endless search, gradually beachballing every active program until I eventually restart. I can't even eject the disk.

I tried a new drive but that didn't solve the problem. No OS update has solved the problem either.

Does anyone have any other ideas?

I have the original 15" 800MHz G4 iMac.

Thanks,

-Clive

 

[bigandy]

I'd hazard that it could be the IDE connection to the drive.

Have you opened it up to ensure it's connected properly?

Guide to opening the iMac G4...

 

[Clive At Five]

Well, I did manually replace it, but it *could* be the surface mount to the logic board... Maybe there's a bent pin or dust or something impeding the connection. Definitely something to try.

Thanks!

More suggestions, while I'm at it?

-Clive