Plextor 4PS-3 User manual

Using CD-ROM Discs
and Caddies
YOUR TASK: Learn how to use a caddy and how to handle and
care for your discs.
YOUR OBJECTIVE: Protect your discs. Insert and eject caddies properly
so your drive operates without interruption.
YOUR METHOD: Practice loading discs into caddies, and caddies
into drives.
Plextor’sCD-ROMdrivesuseanindustry-standarddisccaddytoprotectthediscfrom
scratches and contamination. A standard caddy is made of plastic and has a metal
shutter on its bottom which slides open and shut. Use of a non-standard caddy (e.g.,
onewhichlacksametalshutteronitsbottom)isnotrecommended.Fortheirprotection,
CD-ROM discs should be stored in their original packaging or in a caddy.
Inserting the Disc into a Caddy
1) To open the lid of the caddy,
press the tabs at the side
as shown.
2) Place the disc into the caddy
with the label facing UP.
Be sure to place the disc
beneath the edge of the
caddy under the arrow mark.
Handle the disc by the sides.
Don’t touch its surface.
---- CHAPTER 10 ----
46 PX-43CE/PX-45CE OPERATION MANUAL

3) Close the lid firmly. But not too hard.
Caution: If the caddy appears defective (e.g., warped, cracked, or bent) do not
insert it into the drive. A defective caddy can become stuck inside the
drive,requiring the drive’s returnto your dealer forservice. If your caddy
appears defective, promptly replace it with a new one.
Handle the caddy as you would any precision component. Do not:
✗Allow moisture or dust/contamination either in or on the caddy.
✗Store the caddy in a location subject to direct sunlight, high temperature, or
high humidity.
✗Drop the caddy or subject it to shock.
✗Open the shutter manually. The caddy’s shutter opens automatically when
the caddy is inserted into the CD-ROM drive.
Loading the Caddy into the Drive
1. Open the drive’s door.
2. Carefully insert the caddy in
the direction shown, with
the arrow mark facing the drive.
3. Push the caddy into the drive
until the caddy drops into place.
Hint: You need use only one hand to
insert the caddy into the drive. This
is easily accomplished by placing
the front portion of the caddy on
top of the lip of the drive’s door. You can press down lightly to open the
drive’s door, then slide the caddy into the drive.
Arrow Mark
CHAPTER 10 ---- Using CD-ROM Discs and Caddies
PX-43CE/PX45-CE OPERATION MANUAL 47

Removing the Caddy from the Drive
1) Push the Eject button. The caddy will eject from the drive in 2--3 seconds.
2) Pull the caddy straight out of the drive.
3) If the caddy will not eject from the drive after pushing the Eject button, you
should be able to remove the caddy from the drive by using the Emergency
Eject button. Turn off power to the drive. Insert a paper clip into the
Emergency Eject hole. The caddy should now eject from the drive. Please
contact Plextor’s Technical Support Department before attempting to rein-
sert the caddy into the drive.
Cleaning the Disc
If the disc is merely dusty, you may use a commercially available dust removal spray
such as Dust-Off or Vari-Air to blow dust particles off the disc.
After removing the dust particles, you may wipe the disc using a clean, soft cotton
cloth. Use a straight-line motion, wiping from the center out. Do not wipe the disc
in a circular motion.
If a disc becomes dirty or soiled with grease or other contaminants not removable by
wiping, you may clean the disc with a CD-ROM disc cleaner available at most
computer dealers. Follow the directions packaged with the cleaner.
Hint: Keeping your CD-ROM disc in a caddy at all times will prevent the
disc from becoming dirty or damaged.
CHAPTER 10 ---- Using CD-ROM Discs and Caddies
48 PX-43CE/PX-45CE OPERATION MANUAL

How to Play Audio CDs
on Your Drive
YOUR TASK: Learn how to use your CD-ROM drive so that it can
also play audio CDs.
YOUR OBJECTIVE: Increase functionality of your drive. Provide
musical accompaniment for presentations. Goof off
at work.
YOUR METHOD: A variety exists for you to choose from. You can use
anything from front panel controls or very basic,
bare bones audio CD software utilities up to
software utilities which rival or surpass the
capabilities of the CD player attached to your stereo
system.
1) The most basic method is to use the 4PleX Plus front panel audio controls.
No special drivers are needed to operate this feature.
Once an AUDIO CD is inserted into the drive, simply push the button to
begin AUDIO play. Once the AUDIO is playing, push the play button once
for track advance, or hold down the button for more than 1 second to begin
a fast forward search (ffwd). To eject the caddy from the drive, press the
Stop/Eject button once to stop AUDIO play and a second time to eject the
CD.
Whileinaudio CD play mode, youcanread a CD-ROM data discbysimply
removing the audio CD and inserting a data CD into your CD-ROM drive.
2) If you are a PC owner running Windows, you can use the Media Player
found in the Accessories group. To do so you must first load the [MCI] CD
Audio driver. Find the disks on which you received Windows, then follow
these steps:
a) Insert an audio CD into your CD-ROM drive.
b) In Windows, select ‘‘Program Manager.’’
c) In ‘‘Program Manager,’’ select the ‘‘Main’’ group.
d) In the ‘‘Main’’ group, select ‘‘Control Panel.’’
e) In ‘‘Control Panel,’’ select ‘‘Drivers.’’
---- CHAPTER 11 ----
PX-43CE/PX45-CE OPERATION MANUAL 49

f) Select ‘‘Add. . . ’’
g) Move the highlight bar down to ‘‘[MCI] CD Audio.’’
h) Select ‘‘OK.’’
You will then be instructed to insert one of your Windows disks into your
floppy drive. After loading the proper device driver, Windows should send
you the message, ‘‘One CD-ROM drive detected. Installation complete.’’ If
this step fails, verify that the CD-ROM drive is operating properly.
Once the driver is successfully loaded, you can run Media Player in your
Accessoriesgroup. Select Media Player,then pull down themenu under the
DEVICE heading and select ‘‘CD Audio.’’ You now can use Media Player’s
basic controls to play music CDs on your CD-ROM drive.
3) Ifyouare aPCownerandwantgreaterfunctionalitythanwhat MediaPlayer
can provide, you can use a program such as Animotion’s MCS CDMaster
(which usually comes bundled with Future Domain SCSI interface boards),
CD Player (which usually comes bundled with Adaptec SCSI interface
boards), or CD Audio (which is part of the CorelSCSI software package).
These utilities allow you to control your CD-ROM drive much like a fully
featured audio CD player (e.g., you can program tracks, fast-forward, see
the length of each track in minutes and seconds, etc.).
4) Mac users can run a program such as CDT Remote (which typically is
includedwithFWB’s CD-ROMdevicedriver)orMusicBox (whichtypically
is included with Trantor’s CD-ROM device driver).
In order to hear the audio CD your drive is playing, you can plug a pair of stereo
headphones or self-powered speakers into the headphone jack on the drive’s front
panel. You also can connect your drive to an audio amplifier as shown on the next
page.Theaudiocablesshownareavailableatmostcomputerandaudiosupplystores.
CHAPTER 11 ---- How to Play Audio CDs on Your Drive
50 PX-43CE/PX-45CE OPERATION MANUAL

PLEASE
NOTE: The volume control wheel on the front panel of your drive adjusts only the sound level of the headphone jack. It has no impact on the volume
level of the rear panel audio outputs.
PX-43CE or PX-45CE
PX-45CE
CHAPTER 11 ---- How to Play Audio CDs on Your Drive
Stereo Mini-Plug
(To Headphone Jack) Audio Amplifier
Audio Input
RCA-Type Plugs
Audio Amplifier
Audio Input
RCA-Type Plugs
(To Audio Out)
PX-43CE/PX45-CE OPERATION MANUAL 51

Troubleshooting
YOUR TASK: Review some of the common problems you may
encounter when installing or operating your 4PleX
Plus drive.
YOUR OBJECTIVE: Gain a better understanding of how your drive
operates. Attempt to prevent problems before they
occur. Quickly fix, on your own, many simple
problems rather than wait for assistance from a
Plextor representative.
YOUR METHOD: Read this entire section. Many of the problems
discussed happen only rarely. Many may seem
as if they do not pertain to you. However, if you
are familiar with the variety of problems that can
occur, you will be better prepared to deal with
them if they happen to you.
If you experience trouble with your 4PleX Plus drive, follow these guidelines:
PC Users:
1) MostSCSIinterfaceboards can sense when a problemhasoccurred andwill
generate an error message on your computer. Take note of this message. Then,
runthetest(diagnostic)programthatprobablyisincludedwiththedevicedrivers
foryourSCSIinterfaceboard. Follow theinstructionsgivenintheSCSIinterface
board’s manual. If the information provided by the error message and test
program is not sufficient for you to fix the problem, proceed to step #2.
2) If your problem occurs during or immediately after the drive’s installation,
read Section 12.1 -- PC Compatibles: Initial Installation. If your problem
occurs after you had run the drive successfully for an extended period, read
Section 12.2 -- PC Compatibles: Existing Installations.
3) Attempttomatch the problem you are havingwiththeentries listed beneath
SYMPTOMS. Then narrow your search by checking to see if the ADDI-
TIONAL SYMPTOMS apply to you as well. Because different SCSI interface
boards generate differently worded error messages, the messages displayed
by your computer may differ from those shown on the following pages.
---- CHAPTER 12 ----
52 PX-43CE/PX-45CE OPERATION MANUAL

Apple Computer Users:
Read Section 12.3 ---- Apple Computers
Technical Support
If you still cannot solve your problem after reviewing the relevant sections of this
chapter, please contact Plextor’s Technical Support Department. See Chapter 13 for
information on how to prepare for, and then make contact with, Plextor’s technical
support staff.
CHAPTER 12 ---- Troubleshooting
PX-43CE/PX45-CE OPERATION MANUAL 53

12.1 PC Compatibles: Initial Installation
Symptoms Additional Symptom
•No sound when running a
CD-ROM program No sound when playing an audio CD
Possible Causes and Solutions
Application Does Not Use CD-Audio
There are two types of audio you may encounter when using CD-ROMs:
1) Sound Card Audio:
This comes from data (e.g., .WAV or .MID files) which is transferred from
your CD-ROM disc, into your computer, and is translated by your sound-
board into sound. If you do not have a soundboard, you will not be able to
hear this form of audio.
2) CD Audio:
This comes from audio discs (like the ones used by your home stereo) that
are translated directly by your CD-ROM drive into sound. You do not need
a soundboard to hear this audio. You can hear this audio by plugging a set
of headphones or powered speakers into the headphone jack on the front
of your drive.
One reason, then, that you might not hear sound when playing a CD-ROM disc is
that a soundboard is required. These discs use only sound card audio, not CD audio.
To help you determine if you are having a soundboard problem, or a CD Audio
problem, try playing an audio CD in your CD-ROM drive. If you can hear music
(through headphones or speakers connected to the headphone jack on the front of
your drive), the CD-ROM disc you are playing may require the use of a soundboard
in order to hear sound. If possible, check the manual that came with the CD-ROM
disc and see if the use of a soundboard is recommended or required.
If you have a soundboard and can hear an audio CD when it is played, but cannot
hear sound when you play a CD-ROM disc, you may have configured your sound-
board incorrectly. Check the troubleshooting section of your soundboard manual for
further advice. If you have a soundboard but you cannot hear an audio CD when it
is played, check the following points:
CHAPTER 12 ---- Troubleshooting
54 PX-43CE/PX-45CE OPERATION MANUAL

Improper/Missing Audio Cable
If you use a soundboard, you must connect the soundboard to your CD-ROM drive
with an audio cable. See page 33 to ensure you have properly installed this audio
cable.Ifyou have a soundboard andCD-ROMdrive, but lack an audiocable,contact
one of the companies listed on page 69, or Plextor’s Technical Support Department,
for information on where a cable can be purchased.
Device Drivers Need to be Updated
IfyoucanhearanaudioCDin your CD-ROM drive when it isinAudioCDplaymode
(see Chapter 11), but you cannot hear an audio CD with another music CD utility
(e.g.,Animotion’sMCSCDMaster,Trantor’sMusicBox,CorelCD),yourdevicedrivers
may need to be updated. Contact Plextor Technical Support for assistance.
Soundboard Volume Low
If,whenplayinganaudioCD,youdonothearsoundeventhougheverythingappears
tobefunctioningnormally(busylightondriveflickers,thetimecounteronyouraudio
CD utility is advancing), you may have the mixer settings for your soundboard set too
low. Each soundboard has different settings for each input source, including one for
CDAudio.Runyoursoundboard’smixer programandverifythatthevolumeisturned
up.
Bad Soundboard Audio Cable
If you have verified that you have made the proper cable connections between your
4PleX Plus drive and soundboard, and you have the correct device drivers installed
but you still do not hear sound when playing an audio CD, the problem may rest with
your audio cable. It may be defective and need to be replaced.
You can check to see if this is the case by doing the following: unplug the audio cable
from the rear of your 4PleX Plus drive. Plug a set of headphones or speakers that you
know are good into the jack on the front of the drive. Try to play an audio CD. If you
can now hear music, you may conclude that you do, in fact, have a bad audio cable.
Symptoms
•Cannot view Photo CD discs
•Can read only first session of a multisession disc
•Receive error messages while reading Photo CD images
Your 4PleX Plus drive is capable of reading Kodak Photo CD multisession discs if you
use the appropriate device drivers, and you run a Photo CD viewing program (e.g.,
Magic Lantern, Kodak’s Photo CD Access).
CHAPTER 12 ---- Troubleshooting
PX-43CE/PX45-CE OPERATION MANUAL 55

Possible Causes and Solutions
Device Drivers Need to be Updated
Contact Plextor Technical Support for device driver information.
Bad Photo CD Disc
If you can see a list of files from your Photo CD (after issuing a DIR command), but
cannotreadthem,orexperienceerrorswhilereadingthem,youmayhaveabadPhoto
CD disc. Try another Photo CD disc. If it works, you should have the defective disc
replaced.
Symptoms Additional Symptom
•Invalid Drive Specification Error Appears upon Initial Installation
•No Device Found of the CD-ROM Drive and Device
•No SCSI Interface Board Found Driver Software
•or No Response from SCSI
Interface Board
•No Drives in Use
Possible Causes and Solutions
Improper SCSI Device Driver Installation
Your computer needs a SCSI software device driver to link the SCSI interface board
to the CD-ROM drive. If this driver cannot be loaded properly, an error message will
normally be displayed on the screen.
Try rebooting the computer. Watch as the CONFIG.SYS file executes and look for an
error message to appear. You can press the Control and S keys simultaneously to
freeze the display in order to read the error message (use the Control and S
combination again to continue).
If the SCSI device driver cannot be loaded properly, either a software or hardware
conflict exists. Software conflicts are generally caused by memory managers; hard-
ware conflicts by two peripherals vying for the same DOS address space. Please read
the next two paragraphs on software and hardware conflicts.
Software Conflict with Other Device Drivers
The SCSI interface board normally designates the CD-ROM driver as the first device
driver loaded by the computer. When the computer has a memory manager (e.g.,
HIMEM.SYS, 386MAX.SYS or QEMM.SYS), in most cases the memory manager is
loaded first and the CD-ROM driver loaded directly thereafter.
CHAPTER 12 ---- Troubleshooting
56 PX-43CE/PX-45CE OPERATION MANUAL

If other device drivers are loading before the CD-ROM driver, place them after the
CD-ROM driver. If the memory manager tries to load the CD-ROM driver into high
memory (e.g., DEVICEHIGH or LOADHIGH), disable the function so that the driver
is loaded into conventional memory.
Hardware Conflict Between the Interface Board and Your Computer
TheSCSIinterfaceboardmaybeinconflictwithanotherperipheralinyourcomputer.
Normally, this conflict can be settled by selecting a different address for the SCSI
interface board. In some cases, you may wish to select a different address for the
conflicting peripheral.
If the driver still does not recognize the interface board, follow these steps:
1) Remove all non-essential peripherals from your computer (e.g., network
boards, fax boards, etc.) and their device drivers from the CONFIG.SYS and
AUTOEXEC.BAT files.
2) Rebootthecomputerandensurethatthe CD-ROMdevicedriverrecognizes
the SCSI interface board.
3) Turn off the computer and reinstall each peripheral and its device drivers
one at a time.
4) Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the problem reoccurs.
Improper MSCDEX Installation
The Microsoft CD-ROM Extensions (filename: MSCDEX.EXE) or equivalent files from
Corel (CORELCDX.EXE) are required to run your CD-ROM drive under MS-DOS or
DR DOS. If the SCSI driver was successfully loaded, check for proper installation of
MSCDEX.EXE by rebooting the computer and watching the AUTOEXEC.BAT file as it
executes for an error message.
SCSI Interface Board Not Properly Seated
If the SCSI interface board is not fully seated into the computer’s expansion slot, the
device driver software will not recognize it. Inspect the interface board where it seats
into the connector on your computer’s motherboard. There should not be more than
a small gap between the interface board and the connector.
CHAPTER 12 ---- Troubleshooting
PX-43CE/PX45-CE OPERATION MANUAL 57

Symptom
•Incorrect DOS Version
Possible Causes and Solutions
Conflict Between MS-DOS 5.0 and Microsoft’s CD-ROM Extensions Version 2.2 (or
Lower)
MS-DOS 5.0 users should use Microsoft’s CD-ROM Extensions (file name
MSCDEX.EXE) Version 2.21 or 2.22. If you do not have either of these versions, and
plantouseDOS5.0withMSCDEX.EXEVer2.2(orlower),youcanresolvethisconflict
by doing the following:
1) Type the following line into your CONFIG.SYS file:
DEVICE=C:\DOS\SETVER.EXE
2) Switch to the DOS prompt.
3) Type the following: SETVER MSCDEX.EXE 4.01, then press the enter key.
4) Reboot your computer.
Conflict Between MS-DOS 6.0 and Microsoft’s CD-ROM Extensions (file name:
MSCDEX.EXE) Version 2.21 (or Lower)
MSCDEX.EXE ver. 2.22 (or higher) must be used with DOS 6.0. Use of an earlier
version will result in an INCORRECT DOS VERSION message. A copy of
MSCDEX.EXE ver. 2.22 is included with DOS 6.0. You can find this file in your
C:\DOS directory.
If you previously had loaded MSCDEX.EXE ver. 2.21 (or lower), your computer might
still be recognizing this lower version rather than 2.22 (or higher).
To correct this problem, you must edit your AUTOEXEC.BAT file using a text editor
or word processor. Your AUTOEXEC.BAT file will probably contain a line that looks
something like this:
C:\TSCSI\MSCDEX.EXE /D:TSLCD /M:10
In this example, ‘‘C:\TSCI’’ is the path to MSCDEX.EXE. The path name will vary
depending on the type of SCSI device driver software you use.
Change only the path of this line in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file so that it finds the
updated MSCDEX.EXE file in your DOS directory. This line should be edited to read:
C:\DOS\MSCDEX.EXE /D:TSLCD /M:10
Save the AUTOEXEC.BAT file and reboot your computer.
CHAPTER 12 ---- Troubleshooting
58 PX-43CE/PX-45CE OPERATION MANUAL

Symptoms Additional Symptom
•No Device Found Driver Fails to Recognize the SCSI
•No SCSI Interface Board Found or Interface Board
No Response from SCSI Interface
Board
Possible Cause and Solution
Drive Not Resetting
In some cases, even if you restart the computer by pressing its reset button or the
Control, Alt and Del keys simultaneously, the drive does not appear to respond. Try
turning the power switches on the drive and computer OFF, then ON. This complete
shutdown should fully reset the drive and computer.
Symptom Additional Symptom
•CDR101 -- Not Ready
Reading Drive [X] All Commands Sent to the Drive Result in CDR101 Error
Possible Causes and Solutions
Defective Caddy
A warped or damaged caddy can cause a CDR 101 error message. Try using another
caddy and see if this eliminates the problem. Also, be sure to use only an ‘‘industry
standard’’ caddy. This is a caddy made of plastic with a metal shutter on its bottom.
If you use another type of caddy (e.g., all plastic, but with no metal shutter on its
bottom ---- just an opening), you may experience problems.
Defective CD-ROM Disc
Afingerprintorothercontaminantsordeepscratchesonthedisc’ssurfacemayprevent
the drive from reading data. Read Chapter 10 to learn how to clean CD-ROM discs.
You should also review the low performance symptom discussed on page 65.
CHAPTER 12 ---- Troubleshooting
PX-43CE/PX45-CE OPERATION MANUAL 59

Bad Connection Between the CD-ROM Drive and the SCSI Interface Board
Inspect the cable, drive, and interface board for recessed, broken or bent pins. If a
ribbon cable is used, inspect for any signs of distress, such as kinking. Ensure the red
stripe side of the ribbon cable plugs into pin 1 on both the drive and the interface board.
Audio CD Disc in the Drive
Plextor CD-ROM drives are capable of playing high-quality audio when used with
appropriate audio playback software, or when the drive is set to Music CD Player
Mode (see Chapter 11). However, since audio compact discs do not have computer
data, typing computer commands while an audio CD is in your drive will result in an
error message.
Disc in Caddy Upside Down
Remove disc from caddy and reinsert label side up.
12.2 PC Compatibles: Existing Installations
Symptoms Additional Symptom
•Invalid Drive Specification Interface Board Driver Fails to
•No Device Found Recognize the CD-ROM Drive
•Drive Not Responding
Possible Causes and Solutions
Drive Is Not On
If you have a PX-45CE external drive, check that its front-panel power switch is ON.
IfthedriveisthePX-43CEinternalmodel,ensurethepowercordfromyourcomputer’s
power supply is plugged firmly into the drive power connector. Power is applied
correctly if one of the front panel LEDs is on.
Bad Connection Between the CD-ROM Drive and the SCSI Interface Board
Inspect the cable, drive, and interface board for recessed, broken or bent pins. If a
ribbon cable is used, inspect for any signs of distress, such as kinking. Ensure the red
stripe side of the ribbon cable plugs into pin 1 on both the drive and the interface board.
Improper SCSI Bus Termination
Ensure that only the peripheral at the end of the internal SCSI cable and/or the last
peripheral in a daisy chain of external devices is terminated (see Chapter 7). Some
CHAPTER 12 ---- Troubleshooting
60 PX-43CE/PX-45CE OPERATION MANUAL

peripheralshaveasettingmarked‘‘terminationpower’’insteadof‘‘terminator.’’Ensure
their termination power switches are set correctly.
Symptom Additional Symptom
•CDR 101 -- Not Ready
Reading Drive [X] CD-ROM Drive Responds to Directory (DIR) Command But Cannot Run a
Program
Possible Causes and Solutions
Bad Connection Between the CD-ROM Drive and the SCSI Interface Board
Inspect the cable, drive, and interface board for recessed, broken or bent pins. If a
ribbon cable is used, inspect for any signs of distress, such as kinking.
Improper SCSI Bus Termination
Ensure that only the last peripheral on the SCSI bus is terminated (see Chapter 7).
Some peripherals have a setting marked ‘‘termination power’’ instead of‘‘terminator.’’
Ensure their termination power switches are set correctly.
Defective CD-ROM Disc
Afingerprintorothercontaminantsordeepscratchesonthedisc’ssurfacemayprevent
the drive from reading data. Read Chapter 10 to learn how to clean CD-ROM discs.
You should also review the low performance symptom discussed on page 65.
Conflict With a Network Card
Temporarily remove the network card and all related drivers from the AUTO-
EXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files. Reboot the computer and check that the CD-ROM
drivers load successfully.
Conflict With DOS 5.0 EMM386.EXE
The DOS memory manager may be using the address area required by the interface
board. (This situation does not apply to interface boards that do not use high memory
addressing,suchastheTrantor’sT-130b/T-160.) If you suspect this problem, edit your
CONFIG.SYS file as follows:
Before: DEVICE=C:\DOS\EMM386.SYS
After: DEVICE=C:\DOS\EMM386.EXE X=C800-EFFF
This argument prevents EMM386.SYS from using the address space required by the
interface board or using the specific address your board requires.
CHAPTER 12 ---- Troubleshooting
PX-43CE/PX45-CE OPERATION MANUAL 61

Symptom Additional Symptom
•CDR 101 -- Not Ready
Reading Drive [X] Errors Occur Intermittently
Possible Causes and Solutions
Defective CD-ROM Disc
A fingerprint or other contaminants or deep scratches on the disc’s surface may
preventthe drive fromreading data. ReadChapter 10 tolearn how to clean CD-ROM
discs.
You should also review the low performance symptom discussed on page 65.
Drive Not Terminated
If your CD-ROM drive is the only SCSI peripheral attached to your computer or is the
lastSCSIperipheralinadaisy chain(i.e.,acableconnectingmultipleSCSIperipherals
to a single SCSI interface board), check that its termination switch is ON. Always turn
the drive OFF before changing the setting of the rear-panel switches. See Chapter 7.
Symptom Additional Symptom
•CDR101 -- Not Ready
Reading Drive [X] All Commands Sent to the Drive Result in CDR101 Error
Possible Causes and Solutions
Audio CD Disc in the Drive
Plextor CD-ROM drives are capable of playing high-quality audio when used with
appropriate audio playback software or when the drive is set to Audio CD play mode
(see Chapter 11). However, since audio compact discs do not have computer data,
typing standard data commands when an audio CD is in the drive will result in an
error message.
Defective CD-ROM Disc
Afingerprintorothercontaminantsordeepscratchesonthedisc’ssurfacemayprevent
the drive from reading data. Read Chapter 10 to learn how to clean CD-ROM discs.
You should also review the low performance symptom discussed on page 65.
CHAPTER 12 ---- Troubleshooting
62 PX-43CE/PX-45CE OPERATION MANUAL

Bad Connection Between the CD-ROM Drive and the SCSI Interface Board
Inspectthecable,drive,andinterfacecardforrecessed,brokenorbentpins.Ifaribbon
cable is used, inspect for any signs of distress, such as kinking.
Disc in Caddy Upside Down
Remove disc from caddy and reinsert label side up.
Symptom Additional Symptom
•CDR103 -- Not High Sierra Format Occurs With Certain Discs Only
Possible Cause and Solution
Incorrect Disc
The disc might be intended for another type of computer, such as a Macintosh or Sun,
or it is not mastered in the High Sierra or ISO 9660 formats.
Symptom Additional Symptom
•CDR103 -- Not High Sierra Format Occurs Regardless of the Discs Used
Possible Causes and Solutions
Incorrect Jumper Setting
You might have the block jumper set to ON. See page 17.
Hardware Conflict
If the SCSI interface board uses DMA channels, try changing the selected DMA
channel. See the instruction manual for your SCSI interface board.
Memory Manager Conflict
If the SCSI interface board uses memory-mapped addressing or has a BIOS, exclude
the addresses from the memory manager. See the instruction manual for your SCSI
interface board.
Incorrect Version of Microsoft CD-ROM Extensions
Version2.00orhigherofMSCDEXisrequiredtoreadaHighSierraorISO9660format
disc.
CHAPTER 12 ---- Troubleshooting
PX-43CE/PX45-CE OPERATION MANUAL 63

Symptom Additional Symptom
•Excessive Noise CDR101 Error Message
•Disc Heard Jumping
Possible Causes and Solutions
Defective Caddy
Replace caddy.
Defective CD-ROM Disc
A fingerprint or other contaminants or deep scratches on the disc’s surface may
prevent the drive from reading data. See Chapter 10 to learn how to clean CD-ROM
discs.
You should also review the low performance symptom discussed on page 65.
CD-ROM Drive Set to Test Mode
Turn this switch OFF. The test mode is for factory use only. Always turn the drive OFF
before changing the setting of the switches. See Chapter 6.
CHAPTER 12 ---- Troubleshooting
64 PX-43CE/PX-45CE OPERATION MANUAL

Symptom
•Low Performance of CD-ROM Application Software
Possible Cause and Solution
Drive Automatically Set to Standard Throughput (150KB/sec)
Plextor’s drives are designed to automatically switch from 4.5 speed throughput
(675KB/sec)todoublespeed (300KB/sec) and then single speed (150KB/sec)when
they encounter a defect or a scratch on your disc. The drive then will continue to
read data from the disk at double or single speed until a new read command is
transmitted to the drive. The drive will then return to 4.5 speed mode.
It is also possible that the disc is dirty. Please refer to page 48 for instructions on how
to clean your CD-ROM disc.
Symptom
•Disc is Ejected After Being Inserted
•ON/BUSY Light Flashes 4 Times
Possible Cause and Solution
CD is unreadable
Plextor’s drives are designed to automatically eject any unreadable CD. Please be
sure that the CD-ROM disc, or audio CD is ‘‘label-side’’ up in the caddy. If not,
thiswillcausethedrivetoeject the CD. A blankorincorrectlywrittenCD-R(blank
media), a damaged, scratched or otherwise unreadable CD will cause this same
symptom. Inserting a known good disc will correct this problem.
CHAPTER 12---- Troubleshooting
PX-43CE/PX45-CE OPERATION MANUAL 65