58 Solving Problems
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Optical drive problems
NOTE: High-speed optical drive vibration is normal and may cause noise, which does not indicate a
defect in the drive or the CD or DVD.
NOTE: Because of different regions worldwide and different disc formats, not all DVD titles work in all
DVD drives.

Problems writing to a CD/DVD-RW drive

If you cannot eject the CD, CD-RW, DVD, or DVD+RW drive trayIf you hear an unfamiliar scraping or grinding sound
CHECK FOR HARDWARE INCOMPATIBILITIES
RUN THE DELL DIAGNOSTICS (SEE PAGE 55)
CLOSE OTHER PROGRAMS —The CD/DVD-RW drive must receive a steady stream of data when
writing. If the stream is interrupted, an error occurs. Try closing all programs before you write to the
CD/DVD-RW.
TURN OFF STANDBY MODE IN WINDOWS BEFORE WRITING TO A CD/DVD-RW DISC —See the
Dell Inspiron Help file (see page10) or search for the keyword standby in the Windows Help and
Support Center for information on power management modes (see page11).
CHANGE THE WRITE SPEED TO A SLOWER RATE —See the help files for your CD or DVD creation
software.
1
Ensure that the computer is shut down.
2
Straighten a paper clip and insert one end into the eject hole at the front of the drive; push firmly until
the tray is partially ejected.
3
Gently pull out the tray until it stops.
• Ensure that the sound is not caused by the program that is running.
• Ensure that the disk or disc is inserted properly.