[pruettsk]

okay, so I bought a used 12" PB in "perfect condition" from a guy here on this forum a couple months ago. I haven't made the time to post these questions as I've been focused on getting a business off the ground... but I need help!!

problem #1) The combo drive doesn't work (it did for maybe a week). I stick a disc in, it makes a little noise, and spits it back out. The problem is that it's not spinning up. Is there any quick fix? Can I physically look at the innards of the drive to see of something's stuck?

problem #2) The battery likes to drain super fast. Once it hits around 50-55% capacity, it drops to 0% in about a minute. Do I just need a new battery?

Thanks!
~ scott

[fisherKing]

you can try resetting the power manager.

unplug the pb, and remove the battery.
then...
push option, control, shift, and the power button for about 1 second, all athe same time.

replace the battery, plug in the powerbook, start it up.

you will have to reset date & time if this worked.

hope that helps...

[f1000]

Originally posted by pruettsk:
problem #1) The combo drive doesn't work (it did for maybe a week). I stick a disc in, it makes a little noise, and spits it back out. The problem is that it's not spinning up. Is there any quick fix? Can I physically look at the innards of the drive to see of something's stuck?

Try booting up from your Install DVD just to confirm that what you're experiencing is a hardware problem and not a software problem. Restart your Mac, immediately insert the Install DVD, and hold down 'C' until the computer boots up.

[bbales]

On your battery issue, resetting may or may not work. There's a known issue with the 12-in batteries that at some point (and I don't remember if it has to do with the age of the machine, the age of the battery or what OS you're running -- just remember seeing it talked about AND experiencing it myself) the "remaning power" drops to 0 with no warning whatsoever.

I bought a new battery. The old one had given me faithful service for probably 20 months before this happened.

With the battery you probably will have to learn to live with it or buy a new one. Option 1 is frustrating because you never really know just how much time left you really have.