disable dvd-drive

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Level 1

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disable dvd-drive

My dvd drive has been making noises whenever I tap the laptop directly above the drive. It has been doing this for a long time now, but lately it has gotten HIGHLY sensitive and buzzes about once a minute if im at the keyboard. It sounds like maybe its trying to recalibrate something, but I never use it anyways so i'd just like to turn it off. Is there a way to do this?

powerbook G4 17", Mac OS X (10.4.11), 17" model

Posted on Feb 16, 2010 6:10 AM

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Answer 1

Allan Jones

Level 9

79,790 points

Feb 16, 2010 6:28 AM in response to vendt

I don't believe there is any software command that would turn it off. You'd have to physically disable it by opening the case, something not for the non-technically inclined. In some computers, disconnecting a drive can cause other startup problems.

What you describe sounds like there is something in the drive. Any small children about? They love to make deposits in slot-loading drives. Perhaps a non-standard optical disk that's too small? I would see if I can feel/hear something flopping around when I tip the computer.

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Answer 2

vendt Author

Level 1

0 points

Feb 16, 2010 8:23 AM in response to Allan Jones

Nope, no small children, and I cant hear anything flopping around. For as long as a year, maybe 2, I've noticed that when a set the computer down too hard, or smack the case above the drive, it makes the electro-buzzing noise. I never use the drive so I don't know why anything would be different now, but it has been seriously irritating me the past couple days. Perhaps a unix command that will do the trick?

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Answer 3

eww

Level 9

53,052 points

Feb 16, 2010 2:58 PM in response to vendt

vendt: It would be possible to disconnect the optical drive's flex cable from the logic board, thus rendering the drive completely inert. But I'm not sure whether, with the connector loosed from the LB, it would stick up too high for the keyboard to fit properly back into place. In that case you would have to remove the drive altogether, or remove it temporarily in order to disconnect and remove the flex cable altogether, then put the disconnected drive back in place. Operating the machine with the drive removed might change the feel of it unpleasantly, but if it doesn't, that may be the thing to do.

http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Repair/Installing-PowerBook-G4-Aluminum-17-Inch-1-1- 67-GHz-SuperDrive/248/1

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