1) Unplug the computer from power. Unplug all cables to the computer. If there are cables you are unsure of, (Audio, video, etc), perhaps make yourself a diagram before unplugging.
2) Depending on the model, (Model number not stated), most eMachine desktop computer cases, open up by removing a Side Panel.
One, or two screws are loosened, or removed, and the Side Panel slides back, or tilts out.
3) Stop!
Before proceeding further follow Anti-Static Precautions
Anti-Static Precautions:
Your body carries Static electricity. Static WILL fry out (Short Circuit), the delicate hardware components inside a computer.
De-static your body BEFORE reaching inside the computer.
Computer on a table, computer off, and unplugged from power.
Open the computer case. Touch an unpainted surface, of the metal frame.
This action will relieve your body of static. If you leave your computer in the middle of working on it, be SURE to touch the metal frame again, upon your return.
There are two styles of optical drives used, at present. (CD/DVD Drives)
IDE (PATA) which is the older technology, and SATA, which is the newest technology.
IDE:
The IDE style, which is also known as PATA, uses a flat ribbon cable for the Data cable,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_ATAThe connector is keyed. That is to say, it has a Lug on the top, or bottom, and there is a matching Notch in the back of the optical drive.
With the Lug lining up with the Notch, number 1 pin wire is plugged in correctly. The cable is lined up correctly.
If there is no Lug on the flat ribbon cable, or a Notch in the back of the optical drive, look for a faint red stripe on one side of the cable.
This faint red stripe is always on number 1 pin wire, in the flat ribbon cable.
When the flat ribbon cable is plugged into the back of the optical drive, the red stripe will be facing the power cable, that is also plugged into the back,
http://www.playtool.com/pages/psuconnectors/connectors.html#peripheralSATA:
SATA power cables and Data cables are different.
The SATA data cable's connector has 7 pins. The shape of the connector for the optical drive side, is an Elbow shape.
Inside the connector is a slot in the shape of an L
This keys the connector so it can only be plugged in one way.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SATATop right photo shows a closeup of a SATA Data cable's connector.
(Color of cable or it's connector does not matter)
Photo underneath shows a typical SATA connector on a motherboard.
(Again color does not matter)
If you accidentally unplug a SATA data cable from the motherboard, and do not remember which SATA connector on the motherboard it was attached to;
Close your eyes, and pick one.
That's the beauty of SATA. You can plug into any SATA header (Connector) on the motherboard, and BIOS will find the SATA device.
The SATA power cable's connector has 15 pins. Between it, and the SATA data cable connector, it is the longer connector,
http://www.playtool.com/pages/psuconnectors/connectors.html#sataFor either style of optical drive, IDE or SATA, you are unplugging two cables, and plugging two cables back in.
Power cable and Data cable Removed;
There are many methods of mounting an optical drive, in a computer case.
Common ones are;
1) Drive bay cage has slots. Screws are mounted through the slots, and into the optical drive.
Remove screws, slide optical drive BACK towards the back of the computer, to remove.
2) Optical drive has two studs that stick out of the side/s of the drive.
These go through a slot in the drive bay cage. (Or may be 4 studs if on both sides) On the outside of the drive bay is a plastic, or metal locking device.
This flat-like shaped device is eased towards the outside of the computer, to allow the studs to slide by when the optical drive is removed.
3) Plastic slides that are slid back to release the optical drive. Optical drive again has two studs. (Or 4 if on both sides)
As for product replacing, buy the correct technology used.
Either IDE (PATA) or SATA.
As for product recommendation it's from personal experience. I use Lite-On optical drives. Typical model delivers the same performance as more expensive models that cost 2 to 3 times as much.
Buy online. Local stores, (Especially chain stores) are more pricey than online.
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For additional questions please post in a Comment.
Regards,
joecoolvette
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