> Ie, sometimes I boot the computer, and POST doesn't recognise the cdrom, and > Linux doesn't either, other times I boot it and it does.
Sounds like a hardware problem. Could be mobo, cable, or drive, or bad contacts. Carefully remove the cable, then insert it again properly. Repeat 3-5 times (yes that's right). Might clean the contacts a bit. Those ribbon cables can also go dodgy, particularly if handled often (catch 22). When pulling on the ribbon, do so carefully and spread the load over the connector a bit (i.e. don't just pull on one edge). There's no fix to cables but to replace ($8 at tastech). Could be bad contact on mobo or drive, or an aging chip on mobo or drive. Mobo or drive can't be repaired (note I didn't say get a new one ;) ). Chances for a cable problem are reasonably high. HTH, Volker -- Volker Kuhlmann is possibly list0570 with the domain in header http://volker.dnsalias.net/ Please do not CC list postings to me.
