Comment 27 for bug 307477

Signed up to report that I have been experiencing the same problem in Windows 7 RC (build 7100) for the last few months. Have not used an OS other than Winblows, so this is definitely a firmware/hardware issue, or a BIOS/Chipset problem. I have an ASUS x83vm laptop as well. (The one with the P8400, 320gb HDD, and the Geforce 9600m video card.)

The DVD drive will lock up when doing random things, such as installing a game, attempting to watch a DVD, etc. The DVD drive will not stop spinning, cannot be ejected, and disappears in My computer, Device Manager, as well as the Disk Management console. Restarting the computer causes the BIOS to hang during POST, when trying to detect the second SATA drive. The only option is to do a shutdown, and then a cold boot.

However, I did try some experimentation to see if Windows 7 can re-recognize the drive if it was removed. I removed the retaining screw from the bottom of the laptop to allow it to slide in and out, and when the drive failed, I removed it, and then immediately plugged it back in. Windows 7 recognized it and it worked fine, at least until the next failure.

level0, if you are still watching this topic, I would really like to know where you got a hold of that firmware, SR07. The HP flash utility is reporting the same error you get, Drive not found.

I am going to bookmark this topic, and proceed to update my BIOS. However, I don't remember if I already have or not.

If this is indeed just a faulty drive, that is some relief, because the drive can be replaced (Blu-Ray here we come!) Laptop is out of warranty anyways. But if the BIOS or the chipset itself is faulty, then we are screwed.