My CD/RW drive is giving me problems. It will play music CD's, photo and data CD's that I have written from computer files but I can no longer write to blank CDs. The write Wizard will go about 80% complete and then it gives me an error message that says the task could not be completed because the cd is no good. I have bought brand new CD's and tried up to 5 different ones----none work. So far I have run a cleaning disk, cleaned the PC inside and out, and tried to boot from the installation disk in order to run a dianostic check, but the computer won't boot from the disk. Somebody please help---I need to back up some files.
New member----Prairie Son

Hi there,

Did you try changing the IDE cable from the motherboard to the CD Rom yet? It's a fairly common fault..and it could be your answer.

I have not tried that. How do I go about finding the right cable?
Thanks
Prairie Son

Open the case, carefully follow the cable from the back of the CD rom down to the motherboard.

Yes, I have seen that ribbon cable when I clean the pc. What info do I need to give a retailer to be sure I buy the right replacement?
Thanks again,
Prairie Son

Just tell 'em you need an IDE cable (ribbon) for a CD Rom. Shouldn't cost much at all