Win2K and CD ROM

[win2kuser]

I have set up an old pc (AMD K6-2/350) running windows 2k with a creative 24x CD ROM.

If I boot up with a cd in the drive, the drive will be listed and I can access it via explorer as normal.

If I boot up without a cd in the drive, the drive isn't listed in explorer nor in the device manger.

When it isn't listed, if I go device manager and scan for hardware changes, it will pick up and install the cd drive - which is fine, until I reboot again.

I have checked the IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers settings, and it knows there is something plugged in, it just wont list it.

Is there a way I can force this device to be configured at boot, or is there another way?

Any help would be great.

[griobhta]

I had an old cd-rom that used to do this. In the end i just replaced it. Linux would find it all the time even when win2k didnt but when Linux started to miss it i felt that it really was on its way out.

I'd be interesed to hear if anyone found a better soloution even if it is a bit too late for that cd-rom drive.

g

Check DMA settings for the drive. Should be under the IDE/ATAPI device settings.

If it's on, turn it off, and see if that helps. If it's off, turn it on.

Sometimes updating ASPI drivers might help as well, but not often will that help, so try DMA settings first.

Cheers
Mick

[win2kuser]

Thanks for the replies guys...

I tried doing what you said Mick, but it didn't work

The devices were listed as 'use DMA if available', but they were both using PIO mode. I have two HDDs in here 1x810MB and 1x540MB, both old and certainly not ATA standard.
However, in frustration I tried a couple of things but I am not sure which one actually did it.

I changed the SIS ATAPI driver to a standard IDE dual channel thingy. Changed the cd rom driver to a standard cd rom, went into bios and selected plug and pray OS as 'NO', rebooted, and it now works.

Now to load FAD on it, and there is another little cruncher

Thanks again...