Why computer doesn't see a certain CD...

[Lyte]

Howdy!

I just purchased the PC game Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory today and the darnest thing is happening! I toss the CD into the drive and my computer sees no files at all. I tossed it into my backup (Dell) computer and when I clicked onto "D" drive it actually told to put a CD in the drive first! Uhh... it's already in there! I tested out a few other CDs in the drive... no problems!

I've been to a couple forums and it appears I'm not the only one with the problem. Sadly, no one has come up with a solution. Any thoughts as to why this is happening??

Many thanks in advance!

Lyte

 

[armstrong]

This happened to me a few times, specially when I'm trying to read off of a cheap CD-R. What seems to help is I take something like a nail file and *gently* scrape the inside of the small "donut hole" (I don't know what else to call it) in the center of the CD. I think the reason this helps is because some CD's are too smooth/slippery in that part, and the CD drive can't get a grip on it; by scraping around the hole, you create ridges that allow a better grip.

CAVEAT LYTE: This worked for me, but don't blame me if you destroy your disk! Good luck.

 

[Lyte]

CAVEAT LYTE: This worked for me, but don't blame me if you destroy your disk! Good luck.

Thanks! :lol:

Now, when you say "edge" you mean what might be termed the vertical edge inside of the hole. As if the disk where sitting flat on a table... the most inner edge of the hole which is perpendicular to the data portion of the disk itself. Yes?? :tri:

I'm just wanna be clear that I'm not being asked to round off the right angle that's created between the hole and the disk. Or... is that what your suggesting?? :cy:

Oh... this could be interesting... hee! :lol:

 

[armstrong]

Now, when you say "edge" you mean what might be termed the vertical edge inside of the hole. As if the disk where sitting flat on a table... the most inner edge of the hole which is perpendicular to the data portion of the disk itself. Yes??

yes!

for something more graphical, do this:

--------------------------| <-- scrape --> |--------------------------
--------------------------| <-- scrape --> |--------------------------
--------------------------| <-- scrape --> |--------------------------
--------------------------| <-- scrape --> |--------------------------
--------------------------| <-- scrape --> |--------------------------

to get this:

--------------------------/ <-- scrape --> /--------------------------
--------------------------/ <-- scrape --> /--------------------------
--------------------------/ <-- scrape --> /--------------------------
--------------------------/ <-- scrape --> /--------------------------
--------------------------/ <-- scrape --> /--------------------------

 

[Lyte]

Wow... you're good!! :lol:

I'm much more a visual person and pictures help... a lot! :bingo:

Thanks!

Lyte

 

[armstrong]

Thank me when it works. You know might be cursing me in a few minutes. :hehe:

 

[RJ]

Lyte, another thing you might check is if the CD has any data on it at all. Try it in another computer and see if it is readable there.

On a recent occasion I received a CD-ROM from a software publisher that my computer won't recognize. It turned out it was a completely blank/unformatted or defective CD.

 

[Darkfire001]

Lyte, I'd HIGHLY suggest returning for another disc if it doesnt work. I bought a game last year, that actually didnt work in 40% of CD-Roms :o And since game didnt do well in stores they never fixed the issue and I got royally screwed

 

[Lyte]

Lyte, another thing you might check is if the CD has any data on it at all.

Good suggestion! I did try it in my fresh outta the box Dell (Xmas '04 gift) and when I clicked on the D/hard drive it told me to put a disk in the drive. :lol: Yes... the disk was already in there! It's like the Dell didn't even see it!

I think the same thing is occuring on my old system. When the drive is empty and I click on the D/harddrive Windows just shows it as empty... it doesn't instruct me to put a disk in the drive. So... I think the old system isn't seeing the disk at all too!

Oye, this is weird!

Lyte, I'd HIGHLY suggest returning for another disc if it doesnt work.

I think I'm going to do that tomorrow. Swap it out and see if that makes a difference. Now, if that doesn't work, how do you get a store to take back open software?!

 

[dgridley]

Most stores will make an exchange for an exact item if the one you have has been opened.. most won't do a refund or allow you to exchange for a different item.

Now, if that doesn't work, how do you get a store to take back open software?!

 

[adam_uk]

do you have a dvd drive?

splinter cell actually comes in dvd format.

 

[Lyte]

do you have a dvd drive? splinter cell actually comes in dvd format.

Huh what??

All three Splinter Cells or just Chaos Theory?? I have the first Splinter Cell which runs without a problem. I don't have Chaos Theory in front of me so I'l have to check that out... cuz mine is not a DVD drive.

Hmm... thanks for responding!

Lyte

 

[Sergio965]

Huh what??

All three Splinter Cells or just Chaos Theory?? I have the first Splinter Cell which runs without a problem. I don't have Chaos Theory in front of me so I'l have to check that out... cuz mine is not a DVD drive.

Hmm... thanks for responding!

Lyte

There's both a DVD version and a CD version. In the front, it should say which one of those two it is.

 

[adam_uk]

Huh what??

All three Splinter Cells or just Chaos Theory?? I have the first Splinter Cell which runs without a problem. I don't have Chaos Theory in front of me so I'l have to check that out... cuz mine is not a DVD drive.

Hmm... thanks for responding!

Lyte

the version your trying to get to work. ive only seen dvd versions of chaos therory (games now days are because of the size of them)

i would consider investing a dvd drive. there not that expesnive and does future proof your computer.

 

[redhippo]

This happened to me a few times, specially when I'm trying to read off of a cheap CD-R. What seems to help is I take something like a nail file and *gently* scrape the inside of the small "donut hole" (I don't know what else to call it) in the center of the CD. I think the reason this helps is because some CD's are too smooth/slippery in that part, and the CD drive can't get a grip on it; by scraping around the hole, you create ridges that allow a better grip.

CAVEAT LYTE: This worked for me, but don't blame me if you destroy your disk! Good luck.

this is a high tech tip!....not sure if i would try it!

 

[armstrong]

this is a high tech tip!....not sure if i would try it!

:hehe: I have no qualms trying this on a cheap CD-R. Try it on some of your "defective" VCDs, redhippo, and you'll be surprised.