Welcome to the MacNN Forums.

magloire · Mar 23, 2004, 08:42 PM

My G4 Cube has been a faithful companion for several years, but something I've been having a problem with for a while is DVD-ROM discs not mounting. It plays most discs perfectly, but when I insert, for example, disc 4 of Futurama Vol 2, I hear about 10 seconds of loud mechanical noises, followed by the drive spitting the disc out.

It doesn't seem to have a problem at all with CDs. I check the unmountable volumes for scratches or other problems and they are normally fine. Running a laser lens cleaner doesn't help either. Any suggestions would be great!

I am aware of an Apple Knowledge Base article that addresses the issue, but it only applies to OS 9.

Waragainstsleep · Mar 24, 2004, 08:33 AM

Which drive do you have? (Look in Apple System Profiler).

I understand the cube uses notebook drive modules. If this is the same as the LG drive used in the Pismo, you may need to replace it.
On the bright side, you can upgrade to a combo or superdrive. See the drive compatablity database at www.xlr8yourmac.com and buy a PC notebook drive with the same model number as one you know will work. (Cheaper that way)

magloire · Mar 24, 2004, 10:35 PM

Originally posted by Waragainstsleep:
Which drive do you have? (Look in Apple System Profiler).

Matshita DVD-ROM SR-8186.

I'm confused why it would just be certain DVDs, though. I can watch other DVD from the same set.

Waragainstsleep · Mar 25, 2004, 03:16 PM

Have you tried cleaning it?

Waragainstsleep · Mar 25, 2004, 03:46 PM

There are one or two reports of Cube DVD ROM drives misbehaving on the Apple Discussions.
None are doing exactly what you describe though. And there are no solutions posted.
I suggest the following:
Reset everything (PRAM, NVRAM, PMU) with all peripherals disconnected.
If that doesn't work, try a software restore, or clean install if possible.
If all this fails to repair the problem, there is one last resort before you give up and replace the drive (or make do with its limitations): Flash the firmware.
Firmware is available here:

http://www.wormintheapple.gr/macdvd/download2.html

Flashing a drive wrongly can kill it permanently so take care, if you choose to attempt this.