problems with NEC CDR-260

[kmhanser]

This isn't really a Win95 problem, but a hardware problem. I'm wondering if anyone else has heard of or experienced a similar problem. Here it is: I am installing a NEC 2x cdrom drive (originally from a Gateway computer) into a computer that has been upgraded with a new motherboard/chip. However, when the system boots, it doesn't recognize the CDRom drive correctly, instead, it says:

Found LS-120 Device : EN C DCR-MOD IREV2:06

And then, in the system configuration screen, lists it as LS-120, Mode 0. So, it looks like for some reason, it thingks it's an LS-120 drive! I have had this problem with 2 different motherboards... both of them have Award BIOS, so I'm wondering if it's a problem with BIOS... anyone?

[ggre123]

Yes, I had the EXACT same problem. I bought a Spacewalker pentium 233 motherboard for my Gateway desktop, and I struggled for over 3 hours, deleting the CD-ROM from the devices section, and letting Windows 95 reload the drive. I also fooled with the BIOS settings. My drive was actually conflicting with the A: floppy drive, and like you, saw the CD-ROM as an LS-120.

What I found out:
The NEC 260 has the same BIOS built into it as the LS120. The motherboard automatically configures this device as a floppy, ignoring all overrides. W95 obeys the motherboard.

Solution:
In a nutshell, trash the NEC 260. I bought a very nice ACER 32x for $89, and was the best investment I made this year. The motherboard recognized it immediately, so did Windows 95. Make sure the CD-ROM comes with DOS drivers (if you're like me, I kept DOS 6.22 and play games on it). If you have a SoundBlaster card, make sure the CD-ROM comes with the audio cable (mine did, but was the wrong type). Bring your current audio cable with you.