CD/DVD Drive not recognized by R51 2883 Thinkpad

[stlogije]

I don't know why my Thinkpad won't recognize the CD/DVD drive. I just noticed that I couldn't eject the drive, but it ejects when I insert a paper clip into the hole on the side to make the drive open. It doesn't even show up under my computer. How do I know if the drive needs to be replaced? Help!

[tfflivemb2]

The odds are, it might be shot....HOWEVER, try testing this:

1. remove the drive from the Thinkpad
2. shut down the computer
3. restart the Thinkpad WITHOUT the drive inserted
4. shutdown the Thinkpad again
5. reinsert the drive
6. restart the Thinkpad and see if the drive is recognized.

[stlogije]

I tried that but it didn't work.

[tfflivemb2]

Then chances are...it is dead.

[NS]

Then chances are...it is dead.

@tfflivemb2,
Does this have got to do with the faulty connector? Or the drive itself. Would PC-doctor be able to tell me whether the drive is faulty or not?

*Sorry for asking this type of question*.