Vista - CD DVD drive doesn't read certain cds and DVDS

**Blue0** · 11-06-2008

Hi,

My OS is Vista Home Premium 32 bits.

My cd/dvd drive is HL-DT-ST DVD-RAM LG GSA-H55N SCSI.

I have one strange problem with my cd/dvd drive since a couple of days.

---My cd/dvd drive doesn't recognize Maxell CD-R discs and certain movie dvds and doesn't read any music cds (manufacturized albums). When I insert the disk, there's this message ''Insert the disk on Drive E:''.

But it doesn't have any problems with other CD-R and DVD-R like Memorex and Sony.

Last week, October 26, I played a DVD movies (like Broadway melody) without any problems. I tried to play it again today it gives me the ''insert the disc message''.

Is it due to some Windows update? or anything?

Thanks

Anyone has an answer or tip?...

**Jim R** · 11-07-2008

Check for Firmware upgrade @ LG's Support site. Sometimes updates are released to increase compatibility with more brands of media (disks).

ReadMe from latest Firmware v1.06 download.

Quote:

LG Electronics Service Online :: Home

Click on "Device Driver" (small image of floppy disk) then choose DVD ROM (Writer) from the product drop menu and then search. Your drive's firmware comes up in a list amongst others. File name is GSA-H55N_106.zip

Quote:

=========================
LG Electronics GSA-H55N
Firmware Version 1.06
=========================

Never update the firmware if the problem you’re having is the drive
isn't seen by windows, won't write with the included software, or other
interface related problems, unless the firmware specifically states it
fixes the problem you are having. Firmware updates normally don't fix those
types of problems. Trying to update the firmware when there are interface
address these problems can damage the drive's firmware. An error when
updating the firmware is usually caused by a problem with the drive
interface or there is more than one drive connected to that IDE channel.

------------------
Version History
------------------
v106
- Added write strategy for POLAND media (EMTEC : MJC M005)

v105
- Improved media support

v103
- Improved DVD recording

v102
- Improved playability for CPRM media.
- Reduced playback noise of DVD movies.

v101
- Improved disc readability.

--------------------
Supported Drives
--------------------

This firmware upgrade is for LG Branded drives. This upgrade is NOT
designed for drives manufactured for HP, IBM, Compaq, Dell or any
other OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) customers, please contact
the OEM for all firmware updates and support for your OEM drive.

------------------------
Upgrade Instructions
------------------------

This firmware software only works in windows mode with Windows
98/ME/2000/XP. If you encounter problems in flashing the firmware or have
any questions, please contact our LG customer support line toll-free at
1-800-243-0000.

1. If you haven't already, download the firmware file and extract the zip
file.

2. Connect the drive to the secondary IDE channel as a master drive with
no other devices connected to that channel (Ignore if it's an SATA drive).
Start Windows and verify it can recognize the drive.

3. Close all other programs including: screen saver, and /or antivirus.
Do not open any programs or start any system functions during the
update as they can interfere with data transfer and damage the drive.

4. Open the firmware program.

5. Click the update button and do not touch or interfere with the drive
while the firmware is being upgraded. IMPORTANT - DO NOT INTERFERE WITH
THE DRIVE DURING THIS PROCESS. If an error occurs during the upgrade
process, or the upgrade process is cancelled during this process, damage
to the drive can occur.

6. When the upgrade is complete the screen should say FIRMWARE UPDATE
SUCCESSFUL. Re-boot your PC.

7. Enjoy!

If you experience any problems or have any questions, please contact LG
customer support at 1-800-243-0000.

**NormCameron** · 11-07-2008

This is a known problem with LG and Aopen Drives. Jim R's solution is the first and most important step. If this doesn't work you could try a google search. My solution, after much frustration, was to buy a Pioneer.

**Blue0** · 11-07-2008

Thank you so much, I'll try it.

**Joan Archer** · 11-07-2008

Quote: Originally Posted by NormCameron

This is a known problem with LG and Aopen Drives. Jim R's solution is the first and most important step. If this doesn't work you could try a google search. My solution, after much frustration, was to buy a Pioneer.

Just read your post Norm

my machine came with an Aopen drive, hope I don't start having problems with it, I've already had to change the brand of CD's I'm able to use for burning

**Blue0** · 11-07-2008

It didn't work unfortunetaly. I upgraded then inserted a dvd and gives me the same ''Insert disk on drive E:'' message.

Also, since today when I go to the Device Manager and go under the CD/DVD device there's a small question mark on the HL-DT-ST DVD-RAM LG GSA-H55N SCSI icon.

Weird, if it works for other CDs and DVDs my driver couldn't be that bad or unfixable right?

**Jim R** · 11-07-2008

What else is sharing the SCSI Buss? I once had a SCSI CD/RW drive that was unhappy (particularly reading discs), when sharing a controller with certain other devices.

Have you tried the usual SCSI troubleshooting steps like making it the only properly terminated device on the controller?

**NormCameron** · 11-07-2008

Thats a good point Jim R.

**Blue0** · 11-07-2008

Quote: Originally Posted by Jim R

What else is sharing the SCSI Buss? I once had a SCSI CD/RW drive that was unhappy (particularly reading discs), when sharing a controller with certain other devices.

Have you tried the usual SCSI troubleshooting steps like making it the only properly terminated device on the controller?

No, I haven't tried it. I'm quite a neophyte concerning this so I don't know how to verify if a SCSI Buss is sharing a controller.

But I'll find a way!

**Jim R** · 11-07-2008

One SCSI controller can have multiple devices on it, Hard Drive, DVD, Scanner etc. The number of devices one controller can "run" depends on the type of SCSI Controller in use.

Usually during boot up, a combination of keyboard keys is used to enter SCSI Controller options / settings / utilities. Sometimes Control+A is the key combo. This utility will tell you about the devices attached to the controller by using the "scan bus" utility.

When there is only one device in the "chain" of devices, it must be terminated by jumper or switch settings. If more than one device is in the chain, only the last device in the chain should be terminated. Any incorrect termination, multiple termination, non termination or any malfunctioning device can mess everything up. This is why having the DVD Drive by itself on the controller properly terminated will limit the possibilities of what is wrong.

This won't be possible if your main Hard Drive with "Windows" is also part of the chain since it needs to be running and obviously you can't have the DVD drive by itself if it is part of this chain. However, if this is the case, you can still check for proper termination of the SCSI chain.

11-06-2008	#1 (permalink)
Blue0 Vista Hoe Premium 32 bits 8 posts	CD DVD drive doesn't read certain cds and DVDS Hi, My OS is Vista Home Premium 32 bits. My cd/dvd drive is HL-DT-ST DVD-RAM LG GSA-H55N SCSI. I have one strange problem with my cd/dvd drive since a couple of days. ---My cd/dvd drive doesn't recognize Maxell CD-R discs and certain movie dvds and doesn't read any music cds (manufacturized albums). When I insert the disk, there's this message ''Insert the disk on Drive E:''. But it doesn't have any problems with other CD-R and DVD-R like Memorex and Sony. Last week, October 26, I played a DVD movies (like Broadway melody) without any problems. I tried to play it again today it gives me the ''insert the disc message''. Is it due to some Windows update? or anything? Thanks Anyone has an answer or tip?... Last edited by Blue0; 11-06-2008 at 07:16 PM..
My System Specs

11-07-2008	#2 (permalink)
Jim R Vista Ultimate x86 110 posts	Re: CD DVD drive doesn't read certain cds and DVDS Check for Firmware upgrade @ LG's Support site. Sometimes updates are released to increase compatibility with more brands of media (disks). ReadMe from latest Firmware v1.06 download. Quote: LG Electronics Service Online :: Home Click on "Device Driver" (small image of floppy disk) then choose DVD ROM (Writer) from the product drop menu and then search. Your drive's firmware comes up in a list amongst others. File name is GSA-H55N_106.zip Quote: ========================= LG Electronics GSA-H55N Firmware Version 1.06 ========================= Never update the firmware if the problem you’re having is the drive isn't seen by windows, won't write with the included software, or other interface related problems, unless the firmware specifically states it fixes the problem you are having. Firmware updates normally don't fix those types of problems. Trying to update the firmware when there are interface address these problems can damage the drive's firmware. An error when updating the firmware is usually caused by a problem with the drive interface or there is more than one drive connected to that IDE channel. ------------------ Version History ------------------ v106 - Added write strategy for POLAND media (EMTEC : MJC M005) v105 - Improved media support v103 - Improved DVD recording v102 - Improved playability for CPRM media. - Reduced playback noise of DVD movies. v101 - Improved disc readability. -------------------- Supported Drives -------------------- This firmware upgrade is for LG Branded drives. This upgrade is NOT designed for drives manufactured for HP, IBM, Compaq, Dell or any other OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) customers, please contact the OEM for all firmware updates and support for your OEM drive. ------------------------ Upgrade Instructions ------------------------ This firmware software only works in windows mode with Windows 98/ME/2000/XP. If you encounter problems in flashing the firmware or have any questions, please contact our LG customer support line toll-free at 1-800-243-0000. 1. If you haven't already, download the firmware file and extract the zip file. 2. Connect the drive to the secondary IDE channel as a master drive with no other devices connected to that channel (Ignore if it's an SATA drive). Start Windows and verify it can recognize the drive. 3. Close all other programs including: screen saver, and /or antivirus. Do not open any programs or start any system functions during the update as they can interfere with data transfer and damage the drive. 4. Open the firmware program. 5. Click the update button and do not touch or interfere with the drive while the firmware is being upgraded. IMPORTANT - DO NOT INTERFERE WITH THE DRIVE DURING THIS PROCESS. If an error occurs during the upgrade process, or the upgrade process is cancelled during this process, damage to the drive can occur. 6. When the upgrade is complete the screen should say FIRMWARE UPDATE SUCCESSFUL. Re-boot your PC. 7. Enjoy! If you experience any problems or have any questions, please contact LG customer support at 1-800-243-0000.
My System Specs

11-07-2008	#3 (permalink)
NormCameron Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit Beta, Vista Ultimate x86 1,082 posts	Re: CD DVD drive doesn't read certain cds and DVDS This is a known problem with LG and Aopen Drives. Jim R's solution is the first and most important step. If this doesn't work you could try a google search. My solution, after much frustration, was to buy a Pioneer.
My System Specs

11-07-2008	#4 (permalink)
Blue0 Vista Hoe Premium 32 bits 8 posts	Re: CD DVD drive doesn't read certain cds and DVDS Thank you so much, I'll try it.
My System Specs

11-07-2008	#5 (permalink)
Joan Archer Vista Home Premium SP2 32bit / Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit 1,063 posts	Re: CD DVD drive doesn't read certain cds and DVDS Quote: Originally Posted by NormCameron This is a known problem with LG and Aopen Drives. Jim R's solution is the first and most important step. If this doesn't work you could try a google search. My solution, after much frustration, was to buy a Pioneer. Just read your post Norm my machine came with an Aopen drive, hope I don't start having problems with it, I've already had to change the brand of CD's I'm able to use for burning
My System Specs

11-07-2008	#6 (permalink)
Blue0 Vista Hoe Premium 32 bits 8 posts	Re: CD DVD drive doesn't read certain cds and DVDS It didn't work unfortunetaly. I upgraded then inserted a dvd and gives me the same ''Insert disk on drive E:'' message. Also, since today when I go to the Device Manager and go under the CD/DVD device there's a small question mark on the HL-DT-ST DVD-RAM LG GSA-H55N SCSI icon. Weird, if it works for other CDs and DVDs my driver couldn't be that bad or unfixable right?
My System Specs

11-07-2008	#7 (permalink)
Jim R Vista Ultimate x86 110 posts	Re: CD DVD drive doesn't read certain cds and DVDS What else is sharing the SCSI Buss? I once had a SCSI CD/RW drive that was unhappy (particularly reading discs), when sharing a controller with certain other devices. Have you tried the usual SCSI troubleshooting steps like making it the only properly terminated device on the controller?
My System Specs

11-07-2008	#8 (permalink)
NormCameron Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit Beta, Vista Ultimate x86 1,082 posts	Re: CD DVD drive doesn't read certain cds and DVDS Thats a good point Jim R.
My System Specs

11-07-2008	#9 (permalink)
Blue0 Vista Hoe Premium 32 bits 8 posts	Re: CD DVD drive doesn't read certain cds and DVDS Quote: Originally Posted by Jim R What else is sharing the SCSI Buss? I once had a SCSI CD/RW drive that was unhappy (particularly reading discs), when sharing a controller with certain other devices. Have you tried the usual SCSI troubleshooting steps like making it the only properly terminated device on the controller? No, I haven't tried it. I'm quite a neophyte concerning this so I don't know how to verify if a SCSI Buss is sharing a controller. But I'll find a way!
My System Specs

11-07-2008	#10 (permalink)
Jim R Vista Ultimate x86 110 posts	Re: CD DVD drive doesn't read certain cds and DVDS One SCSI controller can have multiple devices on it, Hard Drive, DVD, Scanner etc. The number of devices one controller can "run" depends on the type of SCSI Controller in use. Usually during boot up, a combination of keyboard keys is used to enter SCSI Controller options / settings / utilities. Sometimes Control+A is the key combo. This utility will tell you about the devices attached to the controller by using the "scan bus" utility. When there is only one device in the "chain" of devices, it must be terminated by jumper or switch settings. If more than one device is in the chain, only the last device in the chain should be terminated. Any incorrect termination, multiple termination, non termination or any malfunctioning device can mess everything up. This is why having the DVD Drive by itself on the controller properly terminated will limit the possibilities of what is wrong. This won't be possible if your main Hard Drive with "Windows" is also part of the chain since it needs to be running and obviously you can't have the DVD drive by itself if it is part of this chain. However, if this is the case, you can still check for proper termination of the SCSI chain.
My System Specs

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