I have a Dell Optiplex GX 240, the CD-ROM in question is a LG CRD-8240B.
I have Mandrake 9.1 and Windows XP(for games ) installed in a dual boot setup.

Anyway I was trying to update from Mandrake 9.1 to 9.2 and choose the update alternative and while it was "rebuilding the RPM database" a power failure occurred.

Then when I'm able to boot up again it gives me the message (after the BIOS load up, which is slower then usual):


Secondary hard disk drive 0 not found
Secondary hard disk drive 1 not found
Strike the F1 key to continue, F2 to enter the setup utility

Striking F1 makes the system proceed like usual, and I can log in to Mandrake 9.1 or Windows XP, which are the OSes I have installed previously.

Now when logging in to Mandrake 9.1(or XP) again I can only use my secondary DVD/CD burner (a LiteON) and I can't access the contents of the LG CD-ROM as it won't open(and so I can't get a hold of my Man 9.2 install CD which is trapped inside).

I have tried to reinstall Mandrake9.1 but this does not help, nor does installing the drivers manually help.

What should I do to get my CD back and make my CD-ROM work again?

Does XP see the LG CD-ROM? It may be that the power failure has somehow borked up the cd-rom drive.

No XP can't see the CD-ROM.

Then you will need to take the back off your pc and check your connections. I think it's unlikely to be the power pack, as the rest of the pc is fine. You may need to replace cables (nice, cheap option!), but if they are not at fault you may need to have your cd repaired or replaced.

I tried to add a different CD-ROM that I looted from another computer.
And everything works fine now, seems like my CD is as dead as a stone.

But anyway, thank you for all the kind help! (This is why I love the Linux communety)

No probs - shame it's the cd drive rather than just the cables.