DVD Drive TSSTcorp DVD+-RW TS-H653A

None of the drivers you are talking about would download on my XP, can't remember exactly, but i got some kind of error box that said no flash or something like that! I'm stressed to the max!

ShaAnne

I'm having the same issue on my XPS 420 running Vista.  I can burn and read CDs, but DVD's aren't even detected.  The drive is there, but nothing happens when I stick in a DVD.  If I try to force the issue and open the disc from Explorer, the DVD ejects and I get the 'Insert a Disc' message.  I've tried everything - new drivers, updating the BIOS, running Windows FixIt, running the Dell Wizards and just altered the registry per Osprey2's advice.  Still, nothing has worked.

I'd love to call Dell or use the online chat feature to get to the bottom of this, but I'm not going to pay 100 dollars to upgrade my warranty just to have Dell tell me to go buy another DVD drive.

I'm especially bummed since I just bought Windows 7.0 Pro but can't upgrade now because the dang drive won't read the installation DVD.  I'm so sick of Vista and am quickly becoming sick of Dell.  If this is a known issue with this drive, why the lack of support?  Does anyone have an answer?  I'm just going to go buy a new drive tomorrow.  I'm tired of dealing with this and have given up.

atwoodn,

Run the Dell Diagnostics on the drive if it is on your hard drive.
Press F12 at startup while the blue Dell shows on the screen.  This
will enter the boot menu.  Choose Utility Partition or Diagnostics.
Run the Custom Test on the drive and have a data DVD (not movie DVD)
ready for the test.

When you say the diagnostics passed, I assume you mean the drive
read a data DVD?  I am using the same drive in the same system without
a problem. 

If you obtain a nreplacement drive for your system, there is no need
to obtain one from Dell.  You can use any standard SATA drive from any
retailer of your choice.  For example, www.newegg.com is well regarded.

Hi Skybird,

I bi-passed the issue and purchased and external DVD RW today.  I'm now on Windows 7.0.  Upgrading to Windows 7.0 did nothing to help my problems with the TSST corp DVD+RW TS-H653F drive.  It still doesn't work.  Reads CD's fine, but it won't burn anything and still won't read a DVD.  I'd love to give my honest opinion on the drive, but have received an email from Dell telling me my language is too nasty.

My angst with Dell goes back some time.  No need to get in to it here.  I dealt with some really nice people and some people that weren't so nice.  It happens.  To be sent an automated threatening email because I used the abbrevation P.......O.....S is ridiculous. 

Again, So it goes........  Dell should look at the ESRI forums to see what abuse is handed out virtually.  :)