banner
You are here:   Language selector > Storageupdates > Help and FAQs! > Problem Solver
Optical Drives
Help and FAQs!
Problem Solver
Blu-ray ReWriters
DVD ReWriters
CD ReWriters
DVD-ROM Readers
Combo ReWriters
External ReWriters
USB Flash Drives
USB Flash Drives
Help and FAQs!
External Hard Disks
External Hard Disks
Network Hard Disks
Multimedia
Help and FAQs!
Update your software
Special Promotions
Storage at Philips
Storage at Philips

Help and FAQs!
Problem Solver

I can not find my Philips IDE ReWriter in Windows.

1. Did you connect all cables correctly?
Check if you connected the data and power cable as described in the manual.

Warning: Switch the computer off before opening. Ground yourself and your tools by touching the computer cover or frame before handling the drive to prevent damage to the electrical components. Always disconnect the power cable from the computer before handling the drive to prevent electrical damage. Avoid touching the pins with pliers to keep from bending the pins.

2. Did you choose the correct master/slave setting?
An IDE Connection can have 1 master device or 1 master device and a slave device.
Good configurations are:
       
  • Motherboard ---- Slave ---- Master    
  • Motherboard ---- Free ----- Master
    Bad configurations are:    
  • Motherboard ---- Master --- Free (works sometimes)    
  • Motherboard ---- Slave ---- Free (works sometimes)    
  • Motherboard ---- Free ----- Slave (works sometimes)    
  • Motherboard ---- Master --- Master (will certainly not work)    
  • Motherboard ---- Slave ---- Slave (will certainly not work)
Sometimes, it may be useful to switch the master/slave settings for the two devices connected to one cable.
If needed, switch the jumper on the back of your drive.
Warning: Switch the computer off before opening. Ground yourself and your tools by touching the computer cover or frame before handling the drive to prevent damage to the electrical components. Always disconnect the power cable from the computer before handling the drive to prevent electrical damage. Avoid touching the pins with pliers to keep from bending the pins.

3. Is your PC Bios setup OK?
Check the PC bios by hitting the Del, F1, F2, F10 key (PC dependent) when the pc starts (before windows starts to load).
Find the IDE configuration/IDE devices/Primary Secondary setting/... and check if your Philips device is listed. Try switching 'none', 'not installed', 'off' to 'auto' or the Philips name or similar. If this is not possible, check again the cables and the master/slave settings (see above).
Check also that 'ACPI 2.0' is 'enabled' and Plug&Play OS' is 'yes'.
Please consult your PC manual for more information.

4. Are your devices seen by Windows?
Click on::
Start
Settings
Control Panel
System
Hardware
Device Manager
Double click on 'DVD/CD-ROM drives'
Your Philips device should be listed here.
If not, following can be done:
  • Check the cables as in 1.
  • Check if no question mark and exclamation mark appear in the device manager. Install the drivers that came your computer (Philips can not provide these) or let Windows search the internet for new drivers.
  • Update your IDE drivers: go to the 'IDE ATA/ATAPI-Controllers' in the device manager and double click them. Windows will try to help you.
  • Uninstall the IDE Channel on which your Philips rewriter is connected (typically the secondary IDE Channel). Windows will require a reboot and will reinstall the required drivers.
--> Note these drivers have to be provided by the manufacturer of your PC/Windows, but NOT by Philips. Philips can only provide Windows 98 Second Edition drivers for External ReWriters.

5. Did you connect your ReWriter to an add-on IDE card?
Many add-on card to extend the number of IDE devices are only made for hard disks and do not perform (well) for optical drives. Connect your ReWriter to the IDE connector of your motherboard.
+ Back