I have my dell inspiron 1501 i normally used my drive e to burn music and files but recently it cant read cd's anymore please help me i have lots of things to do:-) it says there that " please insert cd on disk drive"

I had the same issue and finally - after coming across your question via google- got frustrated enough to start clicking thingsand hoping for the best. Lo! After six months of my Inspirion sticking a loaded disc drive at me like a two year old would their tongue, I have solved the problem somehow.

I don't know what the hell I'm doing with computers, never taken a class; but like any tool or living thing, sometimes things just want attention and will act up to get it. Here's how I convinced it to work:

By disabling the DVD-ROM device, resetting the system, and re-enabling said device, I successfully solved the problem. In case you aren't 100% sure how to go about that, I have supplied a step-by-step guide which I wrote as if it were for my father - a proud caveman.

1.) From your Computer folder, right click drive E: and select properties.

2.) Enter the 'Hardware' tab, highlight the Sony CDRWDVD device (I'm assuming we have the same software), or whatever appears to be your actual DVDROM reader.

3.) Hit the 'Properties' button near the bottom of the window, enter the 'Driver' tab on the next pop-up.

4.) Find your 'Disable' button and push it with no fear in your heart.

5.) Close out of both pop-ups, and Vista will present you with the option to Restart your laptop.

6.) Say yes, and get something to drink while you wait.

7.) Enjoy your drink.

8.) Now that the system has restarted, return to your Computer folder. You will notice that Drive E: is absent.

9.) Trust me.

10.) Right-click anywhere on the folder besides on an icon and select properties. This will take you to Control Panel > System & Maintenance > System

11.) So long as you're with me still, you will see a list of options on the right side of the window. Select 'Device Manager.'

12.) Find the DVD/CD-ROM Devices icon, click the plus sign to expand. Find the device which you previously disabled (again, mine is SONY CDRWDVD CRX880A ATA DEVICE), right click, and select 'Enable'.

13.) Is an unlucky number to finish on.

14.) You're back in business!

As with anything in computers, there are thousand ways to do the same thing, so I have merely opted to write this list in precisely the order I did things. If it doesn't work, feel free to contact me @ [email protected] with any sort of abuse.