Need to know if the dvd writer is ata or sata ?

This model HP has a SATA disk controller.
You need a SATA DVD writer.
If you are not sure, when you remove the faulty DVD writer, take it with you when you go to purchase a nre DVD writer, make sure the new DVD writer has the same connectors as the faulty DVD writer.

> unable to read any CD or DVD. Its detected in device manager but cant ready media.
Can you hear it "spinning" the media? If not, you have a "defective" unit (motors or bearings).
If it spins, but nothing is read, then you have a "defective" unit (dead laser).
Take it back to where you bought it, and get them to test it, to prove that it is "bad", and then for them to replace it.

> in Hardware details it shows HL-DT-ST DVD RAM GH24NS50 SCSI CDROM Device.
Normal for most SATA devices.
> it shows as HT-DT-ST CD-RW GCE-8526B ATA device.
Perfectly normal.

That motherboard doesnt support ATA it supports upto 6 SATA devices which is actually better and faster. You will need to take your DVD/RW back and ask to swap for a SATA and also make sure you buy a SATA cable and good thing is these are actually cheaper and faster. Its actually a very nice motherboard dont be disappointed. Cheers from Scott and plz vote

You're Intel motherboard does support up to 4 SATA hard disk drives including SATA CD-ROM / DVD-ROM drive, reader/writers. This MB also includes two serial ATA IDE ports.
The most likely reason you're system is not booting is because all SATA ports are all seen as Master drives. By connecting the SATA DVD-ROM drive the bios auto configured the SATA ports.
You'll need to enter the bios when you're system boots-up. Press the F2 key on you're keyboard right after hearing a single beep. You will than enter the bios main menu. Listed at the main menu are devices connect to the motherboard. (Instruction on how to move around in the bios is listed at the bottom of the screen). Mainly, the hard disk drive or (drives) and the SATA DVD writer. You'll need to open the Boot tab. Look for boot order. You want the boot order set like so;
First boot device: [Floppy disk] drive; if one is connected.
Second Boot device: [Primary Hard Disk] drive.
(The drive with windows installed on it). (This drive may be ATA IDE or SATA; you did not provide that information).
Third Boot device: [DVD-Rom] drive. Save and exit the bios. The system will auto restart.
You're windows operating system should load correctly after the auto re-start.
The SATA data cable and the SATA power cable should be checked for good connection. It only takes a little bump to make either loose.
Here is the link to Intel for you're motherboard;
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/SearchResult.aspx?lang=eng&keyword=%22+D102GGC2+%22

Good luck!
Mike

The ASUS P4PE-BP does not support SATA drives. See the manual link provided;
http://dlsvr02.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/sock478/p4b-lx/e1155_p4pe-bp.pdf
You'll need Adobe reader installed to view the manual.
If you bought a SATA writer you can still connect it through an IDE to SATA Serial ATA Splitter Power Cable Connector. See the link below.
http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&source=hp&q=IDE+to+SATA+Serial+ATA+Splitter+Power+Cable+Connector&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=8HZJS4r3C8ymlAe0s8wG&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=3&ved=0CCIQrQQwAg

Hope you fing this helpfull
Mike

No.......
There are many types of CD/DVD burners to choose from and most are compatible with your computer. There are issues like appearance that may be an issue. But to be honest how many people have ever commented on how ascetically pleasing and coordinated your pc is.

The thing you do need to be aware of is the interface your current DVD uses to connect with the motherboard and power supply. If it's a newer computer then more then likely it's what is know as a SATA DVD.
The info you got with your comp should be able to tell you this.
Hope this helps.

I do not have a manual for the ACER sa20 but it appears that it only has a PATA drive controler and not SATA. You can get a PATA to SATA converter on Ebay or buy a SATA controler card or buy a PATA DVD drive instead of the SATA one.

Hello,

That causes that switching from IDE to SATA connection..youR IDE drive can be read slower than the sata due to speed compatibility. The new PC now proccess slower to old hard drive or IDE. so thats matter. i experience that also so i remove the drive after copying all the files it and i set aside for storage purpose only.

may this help,

melnavz

If the plugs are different most likely you bought a SATA drive. If your MB doesnt support SATA then there really isnt any use for that drive, i would return it and purchase an IDE drive, chances are thats what you have. Good Luck!!!