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Hg2491 · Jan 1, 2008, 12:20 AM

Hey guys..

Today I noticed that my Combo drive does not wants to burn CDs, although it reads them fine. I used a CD cleaner and same problem. I tried erasing a CD-RW with it and when I entered the CD again, everything was there!

Does anyone knows what's going on?
Thank you in advanced

Hg+

moonmonkey · Jan 1, 2008, 12:59 AM

what computer do you have?

Hg2491 · Jan 1, 2008, 01:01 AM

A MacBook...

moonmonkey · Jan 1, 2008, 02:45 AM

Originally Posted by Hg2491

A MacBook...

Which generation, which model, which OS version?

Hg2491 · Jan 1, 2008, 11:05 AM

Intel Core Duo MacBook running 10.4.11.

Cold Warrior · Jan 1, 2008, 11:11 AM

One of the first things I try when I have a hardware problem is PRAM reset. I also have a CD MB, whose iSight stopped working one day a couple weeks ago. A PRAM reset fixed it.

seanc · Jan 1, 2008, 11:46 AM

If a PRAM reset doesn't fix the problem, are you still under warranty?
It seems to me that the current generation of combo and super drives aren't very reliable at all.

Hg2491 · Jan 1, 2008, 11:46 AM

Didn't work!.. Now the drive does a weird sound when I enter a CD. I guess it's pretty messed up, right?

Hg2491 · Jan 1, 2008, 11:58 AM

Yes, I'm still under warranty; I have the AppleCare thing. What I don't like about taking my computer to Apple is that they keep it for so much time. I don't know if its that specific place or all of them here in Dominican Republic. I need my computer everyday for school. Once I told them if something could be done about it and they said "Use your friend's computer" in the most cold and i-don't-care-much-about-you way.

seanc · Jan 1, 2008, 12:26 PM

Originally Posted by Hg2491

Yes, I'm still under warranty; I have the AppleCare thing. What I don't like about taking my computer to Apple is that they keep it for so much time. I don't know if its that specific place or all of them here in Dominican Republic. I need my computer everyday for school. Once I told them if something could be done about it and they said "Use your friend's computer" in the most cold and i-don't-care-much-about-you way.

Well since the drive sounds dead, especially because of the noises you've described, the only solution i can think of right now, is to buy an external DVDRW to use until you have a break where you can send your MacBook in for repair.

You could also enquire about service times at a different repair shop if you have one near by.

Hg2491 · Jan 1, 2008, 12:32 PM

Yes, I guess I'll have see what I'm gonna do. Do you guys get such a crappy service from the real Apple? I don't feel satisfied with the service I've received. I hope that the other Mac guys here have a better customer service.

seanc · Jan 1, 2008, 02:30 PM

I think in the US and UK it's alright but in other countries it doesn't seem to be as good, but then again, because this is a troubleshooting forum, people don't come here to post that their Apple Care experience was good in XYZ country.

moonmonkey · Jan 2, 2008, 06:05 AM

Originally Posted by Hg2491

Yes, I guess I'll have see what I'm gonna do. Do you guys get such a crappy service from the real Apple? I don't feel satisfied with the service I've received. I hope that the other Mac guys here have a better customer service.

If the situation is similar hong kong, they will use a local provider to do all of the repairs, if I am not happy I get on the phone to Apple in Australia (who seem to be in control of Hong Kong) tell them how long I have used Apple products how many I own, they modify my case file, then I get what I want.

If you speak to the right person, and you are polite you should get what you need.

Hg2491 · Jan 2, 2008, 07:33 AM

That is exactly what I'm gonna do. In minutes I'll be on my way to one of the Apple Representatives in the country. This is the 7th time that something happens to my MacBook... Apple USA told my aunt to contact them when I have a new problem (I'm going to the Apple Representavite to put my problem on file)

Hg2491 · Jan 2, 2008, 11:39 AM

I just came back from Apple. I took it in because the drive is not burning, the f3 key is not working, the screen has a dead pixel and it's flickering, and because the screen's case is broking (just like the palm rest area was before they changed it).... This adds up to 8 problems in total that I've had with my Mac. I know I got a lemon; my aunt has two Macs and they have never broken or had any inconvenience with it.

Cold Warrior · Jan 2, 2008, 01:15 PM

I have seen lots of issues with the first-generation CD MacBooks. My wife has one and it exhibits random issues as well. Currently (and ongoing for a few months) the superdrive makes eject noises at random times, even while the computer is asleep.

Hg2491 · Jan 5, 2008, 10:05 AM

I'll never again get a first generation anything. They are going to change the logic board, the top case, and the keyboard... They had changed the top case and the keyboard already... *sigh*

seanc · Jan 5, 2008, 12:05 PM

How do they expect the case, the keyboard or the logic board to be causing something that seems to be so obvious as a failing optical drive?

Hg2491 · Jan 5, 2008, 03:11 PM

They are changing the logic board because of the screen, the top case and the keyboard since the f3 key is not working. I forgot to mention they are changing the combo drive too.