For some time now, there has been a problem with my CD-ROM drives (CD-ROM and CD-RW drives). Sometimes the drives are recognized by Windows, and sometimes they are not. When they are not recognized, I can't open or use the CD drives, and the drives are not listed in My Computer. I even opened up the PC to make sure the drives were properly connected to the motherboard by removing and attaching the cables again. But even this did not solve the problem. Would someone know what the problem could be? I would really appreciate your help.

Submitted by: Rahul M. of Auckland, New Zealand

The clue here is "intermittent." Your BIOS is not able to detect or maintain the detection for which ROM is the master, and which is the slave.

If either ROM cannot be detected or its detection cannot be maintained, detection for both ROMs will suffer from it and Windows will not see either one.

A primary and little-known cause of this problem is that one of the jumpers on the back of either ROM is becoming loose or is tarnished, creating an intermittent "nonconnection." Quick fix? Replace both ROMs' jumpers with fresh ones. Jumpers should offer some resistance when they're installed, indicating they're making a connection. Assuming that the ROMs suddenly developed a nondetection issue, here's the troubleshooting order:

(1) Loose or defective IDE cables (common)

(2) Loose jumpers (common)

(3) A defective ROM drive (not often but it happens)

(4) Intermittent power supply or supply connector issues (rare but happens)

(5) Faulty motherboard connections or circuitry (very rare)

Note: Normally, reading ROMs are masters, and writers are slaves--both being on the second IDE bus.

Hope this helps you.

Submitted by: Robert B.