Hi Jubu,

Even if device manager says everything is working properly, you may still have a hardware failure. In order to test that, run the Dell diagnostics on your DVD drive. Boot to the F12 option and choose utility partition. Pick custom test, then perform the READ test on your drive with a data CD in the drive.

Let me know if the test passes or if you get some sort of error. Again, this is just a test, not meant to fix the drive.

Thank you Osprey...

I performed the test and when doing so a window popped up saying the disk didn't have any data tracks.  The first time that happened it said I should use a software installation disk so I switched to that.  I kept getting the message about no data tracks on cd would you like to try again.  I did so and still the same thing.  On the right side of the screen was the Read Test results which said Not Applicable.

Am I correct in thinking It's a bad drive?

Judy

Hi Judy,

Yes, sure sounds like the drive needs to be replaced. Sorry about that. Unfortunately, your system does not use standard drives, so you'll need to look for one specifically for your XPS 210. I did a quick search on Ebay and found this one for $60. Or you could call Dell spare parts.

Thank you so much.  I was afraid of that.  I do have an external which I've been using which I will probably stay with.  The computer is 3 1/2 years old and I don't know if I should bother investing any money in it.  It gets a lot of use so I'm sure it will crash on me pretty soon.

I really appreciate your help and the fact you spent the time to find me one.

Have a good day.

Judy