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I've recently built a PC out of new parts. The specs are as follows:

- EPOX 9NPA7I nVidia Socket 939 ATX Motherboard
- AMD Athlon 64 3000+ CPU
- XFX GeForce 7300 GS 256MB PCI-e Video Card
- 2GB Kingston Dual-Channel DDR RAM (2 x 1024MB)
- Ultra X2 Connect 550W PSU
- Maxtor 250GB HDD
- Western Digital 20GB HDD (taken from older computer, still works)
- Mitsumi CD-RW (taken from older computer, still works)

I have not been able to get to a point where I could install an OS. When I turn the computer on, POST indicates that there are no drives at all:

Channel 0 Master: None
Channel 0 Slave: None
Channel 1 Master: None
Channel 2 Slave: None

After that, it does nothing.

I have physically installed the 20GB HDD as primary master, 250GB HDD as primary slave, and CD-RW as secondary master.

In addition to POST not detecting the drives, there doesn't seem to be power supplied to them (yes, I've plugged them in!). After turning on the power, I am unable to open the CD-RW drive and the HDDs don't spin (as far as I can tell).

So, I've already checked the jumper settings, I've wiggled and pushed on the power and IDE cables, I've checked the drives in other computers (they work), and I've looked around in BIOS with no success. If anyone has any suggestions, please offer them.

Thank you.


EDIT: I have ensured that all of the drives are set to Auto in CMOS/BIOS. I have also
tried replacing IDE cables. Nothing is working.

Hi tommcdo, and welcome to the forums!

From the sounds of it...this could be 1 or 2 things..you've said all the drives work in other machines, which is great...we don't have to worry about that.

What I'm thinking - is there may be a bent pin on the IDE channels on your motherboard (check them to make sure if you already haven't).

Or this problem could be derived from the IDE cables themselves. Maybe not compatable with the motherboard, or if they're the ones that came with the motherboard - try your old computers cables.

Another thing, it might be worth upgrading your BIOS to see if this helps.

I checked the channels and tried replacing the cables with three other cables with no results.

As far as a BIOS upgrade is concerned, how could I do that? The system is not detecting any of my drives (FDD included)!

Hrmm....Perhaps it's a DOA motherboard then?

But shouldn't I be able to open the CD-RW drive regardless of whether or not the motherboard detects it?

I don't really know in great detail what the drive goes through to open. Does it ask the motherboard for permission first? That's the only way this could be a motherboard issue and still make sense in my mind.

oohh, sorry i missread that - i thought you were able to open the cd drive up.

With that power supply, is it modular? (can unplug the excess cables from the unit itself)

Yes, the PSU is modular. I have tried switching the cables around, and it hasn't helped.