Combo drive reads dvds but not cds

[ianm]

I have a Compaq Evo N1020V fitted with a DVD/CD-RW combo drive (HL-DT-ST RW/DVD GCC-4240N) which for some time has given problems reading CDs but now it has given up completely. It still reads DVDs without any problem. The laptop is out of warranty so Compaq are unable to assist. I have tried uninstalling/re-installing but without success. The drive is a product of Hitachi & LG but neither of these 2 seem to have a solution. Anyone have any ideas? A replacement drive costs around GBP200 which is not economical.

[Peter Kinsella]

Hl-dt-st Rw/dvd Gcc-4240n

Have exactly the same problem as ianm. Same combo drive on a Dell Inspiron 8200. Fine with DVDs but will not read CDs.
Am at my wits end for a solution.

Any suggesetions would be welcome.

Peter

[Reef]

I guess the cheapest solution would be to use an external USB enclosure in combination with a decent DVD Writer.