inability to use cd rom or dvd burner

[T6]

did you updated the system before using the new kernel?  don't do partial updates in pclinux or you will break the system

while using the new kernel, did the optical drives worked?

you haven't answered my questions about how is connected the drives on the ide cables, if the drives are old and how the jumpers are configured

change parts without knowing what is really happening sounds like a waste of time and money

[kato40]

Hi:
To your query ,yes I updated ,before the kernel update.No ,the drives are still as before.
Thanks very much for all of the advice and help. I shall just keep using the tower as is till it breaks ,then replace it.
cheers,
kato40

[kato40]

Further to your query ,next time I open the tower ,I shall have a peek at the jumper cables and the "wide ,IDE ? )
cables and let you know.
Cheers,
kato40

[T6]

yes, that is what you need to verify, ide cables and dirve configuration, the jumpers to be more precise

also the way the ide cable is connected

[Wildman]

the console shows 2.6.33.5 pclos1.bfs
Firstly I have not touched or altered the CD or DVD jumper cables or settings.
I am trying to change the boot sequence to be able to use a "live " CD or DVD for
any other "Distros ".When I access the BIOS setup and alter the sequence to say,make CD rom the first boot, and hit F10 to exit and save ;it does not happen.Hope this helps.
Thats why I wondered if a new Hard drive might remedy the problem.
Thanking you,
kato40

I think you missed a step in this procedure. you need to press enter after you make the change, then F10..
Also, on a lot of systems, you can tap the f11 or f12 key during the beginning of the boot time, and a select the boot device to use.

[LSeraphim]

There is a jumper next to the battery that says "clear Cmos", is it on the left two pins, or the right two pins?
You said it isn't saving the changes, which to me reeks of a battery issue.
The other really common thing I used to see, especially with an excess of fans installed is that the IDE cable would work it's way out just enough to appear connected, but be lose.
The overwhelming majority of machines that were brought in with optical drive failures were jumpers, cables and simple bios settings.
Countless working CDROMs sat on the shelves of that shop because people assumed they were broken and replaced them, when in reality a jumper or cable had come loose.
Check to make sure the primary and secondary IDE channels are on in the BIOS, and that drive are auto detecting under the basic settings.
Check cable connections.
Check CMOS clear jumper.
If available reset DMI Pool data.

Try again.