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Headshot · Jul 4, 2006, 10:47 AM

It would make complete sense if the drive stopped working altogether, but this seems so strange.

In a soft case, my PB 17" went down from my car seat to the curb

and of course on the corner where the drive slot is. Yes, there's a bit of cosmetic damage and the
corner got bent a bit.

DVD's, nope. Doesn't read or recognizes them, just spits them back out.
CD's, no prob! Read, write, whatever.

Do I need a replacement drive to make it work right? Hmmmm. this is a strange one!

thanks!
-matt

ibook_steve · Jul 4, 2006, 01:11 PM

Not strange at all. Since there's much more data crammed into the same space on a DVD, the laser must be aligned much more accurately for it to work with DVDs. You dropped it, so the laser is probably out of alignment just enough so DVDs don't work and CDs still do. This is not really something that can be fixed so time for a new drive!

Steve

Headshot · Jul 4, 2006, 01:17 PM

Great Steve, much obliged.

So is this something a novice to teching a computer should do?
I mean the RAM install was a cinch, I wonder if there is an online resource that shows you how to do this like my Xterra Forum had a post to visually guide me to change my spark plugs!

What should I look for at Newegg???

Thanks again for the help...

Headshot · Jul 4, 2006, 01:31 PM

PS - checked apple all over for manuals or guides on how to change a Superdrive, or even just what kind/brand/specs it should take for a replacement.

Apple's tech pages are the most useless crap I've ever seen.

Velocity211 · Jul 4, 2006, 02:22 PM

ifixit.com has all the guides you'll ever need. Go to OWC to find a replacement drive

ghporter · Jul 4, 2006, 02:57 PM

Your problem isn't as strange as it sounds. Typically a combination CD/DVD writer uses two different laser systems, and it's not at all uncommon for one to fail while the other one remains operational. iBook Steve's reply is correct, but doesn't really mention this, and knowing why often helps you get over the weirdness of a problem.

As for changing out a Superdrive, that's a Challenge-not the least because it's going to be interesting to find a replacement.

Headshot · Jul 4, 2006, 11:16 PM

I saw a DL replacement superdrive at Macmall I believe for around $128?
Says it fits Powerbooks

Velocity211 · Jul 5, 2006, 12:02 AM

Look here. $120 for a Double layer superdrive

olePigeon · Jul 5, 2006, 01:07 PM

Do you have AppleCare? You could take it in and see if they'll fix it. Just tell them it doesn't read/write DVDs anymore.

romeosc · Jul 5, 2006, 01:56 PM

Originally Posted by olePigeon

Do you have AppleCare? You could take it in and see if they'll fix it. Just tell them it doesn't read/write DVDs anymore.

AppleCare doen't cover accidental damage, but your Safeware insurance will cover it with no deductable.... or homeowners policy less deductable!!
!