m18x: Slot-Loading Dual Layer Blu-ray Reader - problems :(

First time use and problems already before I can have any fun!

Here is what optical drive I had installed on the m18x:
Slot-Loading Dual Layer Blu-ray Reader (BR-ROM, DVD+-RW, CD-RW)(slimtype BD e DL4ETS)

Full system specs can be viewed HERE.

Okay so the first thing I had on mind when I had this loaded up for the first time was to create restoration DVD's. Ok inserted a blank DVD, went in nice, no loading.... very odd.

Optical drive doesn't show up on 'computer', other than the 'C' drive HERE

However it shows up perfectly fine in Device manager HERE

Short keys to eject work fine, except the disc doesn't eject HERE


And device manager tells me that no drivers are installed HERE

Dell don't have optical drivers as I'm told they use Windows drivers apparently.
I've updated all windows updates, I've tried downloading/updating drivers for this optical drive via device manager - no use (HERE).

I've tried uninstalling from device manager and so on, still no difference. I don't really hear any noise from the drive from a reboot either if that helps.

So what can I do??
Anyone else had this problem, or know where I can get the drivers for this optical drive?

Any help would be great.

What's ticking me off further is I've ordered a Corsair GT 240gb SSD as well, so I'm not going to be able to install jack without this drive working.
Which also bring me to another point, is it possible to install windows using an external USB DVD drive? (hopefully the above problem should be solved before that even happens!)

Thanks

True.
But as much as I'd love to send it back I'm from the UK, and I got this from the US, not directly from Dell.com but from Hidevolution.com.
Saving on costs being the major big reason. I'm looking for a quick way to sort this out (seems as I've already waited for a month), but doesn't look like that's going to happen.

I've already notified hidevolution about this so I'm expecting them to sort this out real fast after already being screwed around.

Thanks.
You think I might end up voiding the warranty if I do? (removing it)

I personally can't find any firmware or drivers for this:
Slot-Loading Dual Layer Blu-ray Reader - slimtype BD e DL4ETS

Ahhh I see. Basically it's a cheap nasty blu ray drive?

I would love for Dell to take this machine away, but as it's bought from Hidevolution, that in itself is a BIG problem so far!
Edited by Moyt - 9/30/11 at 10:53am

The problem there being HID have installed some of the components themselves, including thermal paste. So I don't know how all this will work, but I'll soon find out the hard way.

When this whole mess has reached a conclusion I certainly will!

Cheers!

Ok someone explain how this HALF freakish solution I found myself through trial and error ended up working:

1. Go to Dell's website and download the latest BIOS driver..

2. It's same same BIOS that's already installed, but what the hell install it anyway in case the current BIOS might be corrupt.

3. M18x automatically turns off turns back on again, except the blu ray optical drive starts to make noise, so i rapidly press press the eject button on the boot up screen.

4. Wow the blank DVD shoots out!

5. Windows loads up, but still doesn't recognize the optical drive in 'computer'.

6. Reboot, go to BIOS, change the boot order to boot optical drive first.

7. insert windows 7 ultimate DVD (my own retail disc - nothing from Dell or HID). WINDOWS INSTALLATION LOADS UP!

So what does this all mean? Because outside Windows the optical drive clearly works.

Could it still possibly be the bloated crappy software that was conveniently put on for me in Windows??

My next step is to now make use of the Corsair 240gb GT. I'll install my retail Windows 7 Ultimate on that, and I'll know the answers then.

I'll give updates on my progress in case anyone else unfortunate ends up with this problem. Not to say it might work for them, and I'm not even %100 sure if this is even going to work for me yet.

But first I need a break

(My next problem if the SSD installation works might be THIS)
Edited by Moyt - 9/30/11 at 2:00pm

Recommend as you please qhn, so long as you don't work for HID lol.

I've downloaded all the drivers for m18x from Dell onto my usb stick, and they are the first and only drivers I'll be installing as well for now. What I don't get is the m17x having optical drivers for download and none for the m18x.

Yeah that's a point I've always used AVG - paid version. It's never given me problems before personally.
What's is actually the best AV around? I don't mind coughing up money for it either.

Not started the SSD installation yet. Will do soon!


Many thanks!

Funny you should say that because someone else where suggest that I try one of the m17x optical drivers. I'll see how this fresh SSD install goes first.

Ok cool I'll give it a try!

I need to do my homework on this, because for a start I never knew that defraging and formatting SSD's was a bad thing

I got that info from a user in a place else where. He definitely knows his stuff and how to take careof things.
But I dare not speak to him because he warned me clearly that I'd end up with problems buying a m18x well before I considered purchasing it, and voila! Here I am suffering lol.

I can't be laughed at, I need to find a safe place to post where he won't find me haha. Guess this is a good oppurtunity to see if I can try and sort things out myself for a change

Still not touched the SSD yet. I'm learning more before i shove that blasted thing in this electrical, dead weight good for nothing, over priced coffin!

Fine so far! Everything sorted, and then I noticed THIS.

Unless I'm going crazy or something that does say 6900m, when I should have two lot's of 6990m's because that is what I ordered and paid for.

Someone tell me I'm seeing this right...