DVD writer icon is not displayed in the ‘My Computer’ window. At times when it is displayed, I can’t access it.

DVD writer icon is not displayed in the ‘My Computer’ window. At times when it is displayed, I can’t access it. If I try to explore any CD/DVD, the computer hangs up or freezes. This also happens when writing a DVD. In short, the DVD writer is nearly useless but I need to use it quite often. 

Either your DVD writer is faulty or the cables connecting the DVD writer to the motherboard need to be replaced. Try changing the cable to check if it works. There could also be a problem with your operating system. Use a Live Linux operating system such as Ubuntu or Knoppix to find out. Boot from the live CD/DVD and check if it works properly. If the drive works in Linux, then your Windows operating system needs to be repaired. If Windows is fun, your writer needs to be repaired or replaced. To be sure, you can also try using the writer on another computer to find out if the fault is in the writer, operating system, motherboard, or the cables.

The IDE cables connecting the DVD writer to the motherboard should be checked for damage.

When I start my system, it hangs or freezes and just displays the window with the processor information.

When I start my system, it hangs or freezes and just displays the window with the processor information. After three or four reboots, it starts working properly. But sometimes even that does not help and the system starts producing a continuous beep sound. 

If you are using an old computer, the system could be refusing to boot up due to dust or corroded components. Open the case and disconnect all hardware components and cables. Using a good hard bristle brush, gently tap and remove all the dust from the motherboard, processor fans, memory chips and other places where you fi nd dust. Use the blower end of a vacuum cleaner and get rid of the dust entirely.

Dip the brush in IPA (Isopropyl alcohol; available at most computer hardware stores) and gently try scrubbing away any stubborn dust and corrosive layers from the memory slot and memory sticks. You can also do the same where you can see dust and corrosion on other components. 

Make sure you don’t apply too much pressure as you can damage the delicate SMD components and your hardware will be rendered dead. If you are not confi dent about doing this yourself, take help from a friend or call in an experienced computer technician who can deal with this. 

Once you have cleaned all the components, wait around 20 minutes for the IPA to dry up completely. Then reconnect all the components and check if the problem is solved. The continuous beeping sounds while powering up the machine states a faulty RAM or a loosely connected RAM stick

Some computer hardware stores sell pressurized air cans to help clean dust from inside the PC case.