Appendix B. Problem Solving
Computer problems can be caused by hardware, software, or user error. You
might be able to use the information in this section to solve problems yourself,
or gather helpful information you can pass on to a service technician.
Review the following list for any problem descriptions that might fit your
situation.
Troubleshooting
Your computer or CD-RW drive does not operate correctly or
the busy indicator light does not come on.
Take the following actions:
1. Check that the CD is loaded with the label side up.
2. Check that all devices are correctly connected to the computer and the
electrical outlet. If all devices are correctly connected and you are
experiencing problems, go to step 3.
3. Turn off the computer, unplug the cables from the electrical outlets for your
computer and all attached devices, and remove the computer cover.
4. Check that all power and IDE cables are securely attached. Disconnect the
IDE cable and check for bent or misaligned pins. If you do not find any
problems, reconnect the interface cable. Replace the computer cover, and
reattach all cables and power cords. Turn on the computer, restart the
system, and then attempt to open the CD tray by pressing the Eject/Load
button. If the tray fails to open and the busy indicator light does not come
on, turn off the computer and try using another 4-pin dc power cable.
5. Check that the color-coded edge on the IDE cable aligns with pin 1 on the
IDE port and is closest to the power cable on the 12x8x32x CD-ReWritable
drive See “Step 3. Selecting an IDE port” on page 1-6.
6. Check that the IDE cable is connected to the proper IDE port connection.
See “Step 3. Selecting an IDE port” on page 1-6 for more information.
7. Check the CD-RW drive and any other device on the IDE cable for the
proper master/slave jumper settings. See “Step 4. Setting the configuration
jumper” on page 1-7 for more information.
8. If the middle connector on the IDE cable is attached to the IDE port on the
system board, remove the connector and reattach the cable. If there is only
one device on the IDE port, attach the connector at one end of the cable to
the IDE port and the connector at the other end to the device, leaving the
middle connector (if there is one) open. If there are two devices on the IDE
port, attach the connector at one end of the cable to the IDE port. If there is
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2001 B-1