Cannot boot Linux live CD from optical drive

[zxasqw12]

I picked up a T61 recently and had an unusual issue when trying to boot a Linux live CD (no HD).

With a known good Linux CD in the drive and the BIOS set to boot from the CD first, the ThinkPad POST screen would simply loop endlessly. I could see the drive light and hear the drive spin up but no success. I was however able to boot successfully from a USB drive.

Thinking that perhaps the drive was at fault, I swapped a known good drive with the same result. Any possible recommendations come to mind? Thanks in advance for any suggestions or advice.

[theterminator93]

Hmm...

Try leaving the CD out of the drive at startup, then during POST press F12 to get to the boot device menu. After that, put the CD in and wait for it to finish initializing the disc, then choose the option to boot to CD.

[Kasm279]

Try burning a new disc. Slow the burn down and use quality media.

[zxasqw12]

Thanks to those who responded. As I said, the disc was known to be good, but upon closer examination, there was a small smudge in the write area. After a quick wipe down, we were back in business.

Should always remember to check the easy stuff first- thanks

[jaspen-meyer]

there was a small smudge in the write area.

What/where is the 'write area'?

[rkawakami]

About 95% of the "bottom" surface of the CD; not counting the area around the hub (hole) .

[ajkula66]

My experience has been that many *61 systems will not boot from a CD unless the HDD is physically present. It can be blank, but it must be inserted.

Why? No idea.