12-08-2007, 03:17 PM

First of all I just want to say thanks in advance from a long time listener, first time poster. I looked in the "before you post" section and honestly dont know if this is a software or a hardware problem. Further apologies if this topic has been covered already.

I have a 1.5 GHz PowerPC G4 with 512 of memory and I run version 10.4.11 ( and plan to upgrade to Leopard)

I just recently realized that my puter wont read dvd's or cd's. If i pop a disc in it whirs and whirs and then pops it back out. Any advice on figuring out if this is a software or hardware problem?

12-08-2007, 03:39 PM

click apple in menu, about this mac. is the optical drive seen in that?

if not, new hardware time.

either way, its sounds like you Super Drive, is now a Pooper drive. my guess is its time for new drive

12-08-2007, 03:44 PM

well, when i click on about this mac i dont get that...but if i click on more info and then disc burning i get the following

Firmware Revision: DAM5
Interconnect: ATAPI
Burn Support: Yes (Apple Shipped/Supported)
Cache: 2048 KB
Reads DVD: Yes
CD-Write: -R, -RW
DVD-Write: -R, -RW, +R, +RW
Burn Underrun Protection CD: Yes
Burn Underrun Protection DVD: Yes
Write Strategies: CD-TAO, CD-SAO, DVD-DAO
Media: No

any interpretation? Is it it worth it/easy enough to replace this drive with something comparable?

thanks again in advance

12-08-2007, 03:44 PM

I'd say it's hardware.

12-08-2007, 05:03 PM

how much do u use the cdrw in a portable situation? if not much, you may just wanna buy an external 5.25" enclosure, and buy a 30$ dvdrw to put in it.

im guessing the apple drive is much more than that would cost.

again, only if you need a "desk" solution

12-08-2007, 05:21 PM

yeah--so u guys obviously think i gotta replace it...any other thoughts? (still in semi-denial)

I really need the portability of the laptop---so not sure an external would work for me...does that just plug into the USB or is it firewire? Guess if someone could give me a cost comparison that would be great.

12-09-2007, 06:07 PM

so with 59 views so far to this topic I guess I have to come out of denial and admit this isnt a software issue. What do I do next? What superdrive is out there that is similar to the one I had...I dont want to go with an external or is that foolish? Can i replace the drive myself?

thanks again

12-09-2007, 06:13 PM

I think your only hope to get a replacement is to ebay your way through...

12-09-2007, 07:20 PM

powerbook g4 TI or AL?
just a shot here:
http://www.ifixit.com/Products/Alumi...l-Drives/15/59

not worth 200 to most people

however, they have a combo drive thatll at least read dvd's. 80$

12-09-2007, 09:09 PM

not sure I know the diff between TI and AL


its a 17 inch...that help?

12-09-2007, 10:07 PM

The first PowerBooks were made with Titanium shells, later on they were replaced with an Aluminum shell. So you see either Al or Ti sor short.

12-09-2007, 11:30 PM

http://www.ifixit.com/Products/Alumi...l-Drives/15/55

thats it for them, combo drive looks like your best option. read ability on the road, with cdrw capabilities.

you can still buy an external for home, along with the combo drive and come out 50$ on top vs a new dvdrw only