External DVD writer (burner) no more recognized.

[UbuNassim]

Hi my friends!

I have a serious problem with my laptop and your help will be highly appreciated. (I hope my message is neat as I'm french speaking)

My laptop is a HP Mini-note 2133
Motherboard : VIA C7-M Processor 1600MHz
RAM : 2 GB

I have a DVD RW writer Pioneer DVR-K16RS, around 2 weeks now the bios and windows 7 ultimate edition stopped recognizing this device. I tested it on other computers and it's working fine.

When I plug any usb device like usb keys, smartphones, and so on they r automatically detected and work perfectly. But when I put my DVD writer (or any other CD/DVD player/writer) I get a message saying "unknown device"

I don't know how it happend. I even formatted the hard drive using a live usb key but noway.

Now I have both windows xp pro and ubuntu 10.10 maverick, each one on a partition and is completely independent. Would be very happy if you can help me.

Thanks and best regards;
UbuNassim

[J_L]

Does Windows XP Pro or Ubuntu Maverick recognize the device?

[UbuNassim]

J.L. Thank you for your answer.
Windows/Ubuntu/Bios; none of them recognizes the devices unfortunately.

[tushR]

Check if there is any BIOS update available in HP site....you can also call HP and check if this is know reported issue.

[UbuNassim]

tushR,
This was a great idea but unfortunately it doesn't fix the issue.
I even downloaded and re-installed VIA Hyperion Pro Driver Package and USB 2.0 English only driver package from the VIA official site but no way.
Do you think I should flash the bios by "removing" it's battery? May this process be harmful?
Regards;

[tushR]

Originally Posted by UbuNassim

Do you think I should flash the bios by "removing" it's battery? May this process be harmful?

You mean removing CMOS battery? That doesn't harm anything...though updating BIOS is risky and if you don't have dual bios then you may not want to do it as if that goes wrong then there is no way to fix it rather than sending it in.

[UbuNassim]

Originally Posted by tushR

You mean removing CMOS battery? That doesn't harm anything...though updating BIOS is risky and if you don't have dual bios then you may not want to do it as if that goes wrong then there is no way to fix it rather than sending it in.

Yes I mean CMOS battery. By the way I've already updated the bios but no change. That's why I asked you about the bios flash.
I will keep checking for a solution this weekend then if the issue persists I will remove the CMOS battery on Monday.

Will keep you informed..

Many thanks for your help tushR