CD/DVD drive problem

[martin t]

Have a HP Easy Note laptop to sort out for someone and it needs a reformat which is where the problem lies. I can't get the cd/dvd drive to read any discs, the light flashes a couple of times and I can hear the laser do a couple of sweeps and that's it.
It's recognised in BIOS & System Management.
Am I right in saying that the laser is kaput and new drive required?

Thanks and merry Xmas to all.

[ACtheTROLL]

does/did it read CDs?
you say it's recognised in bios ...
but what's the boot order set at?
cd/dvd needs to come before HDD

HPs often have a startup boot option (f2?) so you can select the boot device.

[martin t]

It did read cd/dvds but suddenly stopped according to the owner. Surely the boot order isn't an issue regarding the drive working during normal OS conditions only when you require a reformat or recovery. Boot order is though
cd/dvd
hdd
floppy
I have spoken to the owner and she is in the process of purchasing a new laptop so I can leave the drive 'as is' thankfully.
Thanks AC for your reply.