Disappearing CDRW?

I'm have a issue with my computer, my CDRW will just up and disappear from my computer, I mean physically its there but any recognition the computer has of it is gone, no Icon, cant open the door, nothing. But here is the wierd part, every now and then it comes back and I can use it for a couple days then it leaves again. I'm using WINXP Pro. Its a Old CDRW and I should just get a new one but I'm curious why this happens.

It comes to work for a week then leaves on a extended vaction for awhile. Hmmm


:confused:

Thanks in Advance for any Advice.

My first thought was "Loose or bad cable or connector?"

Note: I am not a Windows PC person. I use another OS on different hardware, but basic troubleshooting principles still apply, I believe.

Originally posted by iDadalex
I mean physically its there but any recognition the computer has of it is gone, no Icon, cant open the door, nothing.

The fact that you can't open the door suggests that the power cable is loose, or there is a short inside the drive itself somewhere. Do you see the activity light flash as the system is booting up, as it should?

I'll have to give a little closer look as I boot.

I'm currently looking for a new one, I'm just curious what is wrong.