Is it possible for Windows to be buggy if your DVD drive is defective or not functioning correctly?

After I bought my Inspiron 1318 laptop it seems I have nothing but problems. The drive has been struggling to read discs for quite some time. It won't read burnt discs or burn correctly, often fails when burning and have to force a shut down as it won't eject from windows or via the touch screen(slot loading drive). Also won't read regular discs or after a while stops reading them. I've had to use alternative ways to read discs such as creating ISO images and using Daemon tools. Even sometimes when attempting to read, the drive disappears from windows completely and have to reboot several times or run diagnostics. These issues didn't surface until I reformatted the first time. By that time it was a year later.

Usually Comodo auto sandboxes certain programs on my laptop. Like Dell Support Center, pidgin and Daemon tools. Installed on my spare and none of the usual.

Have you tried this?
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/cd_dvd_drive_problems

No it doesn't work. Plus I'm running Ubuntu. I've tried running Dell diagnostics, but says it's running fine. Also updated the firmware, but nothing helpful. Unfortunately, the drive is on it's last leg. Makes noises like the disc gets off track and jams something.

A while back ago, a part didn't move back and prevented discs from being inserted. Did a reboot and it retracted. Ended up shutting off through the bios. I think it wasn't reading correctly and creating an unstable Windows and software problems.

Installed Ubuntu via usb which doesn't seem to have the same issues I had with Windows. Probably the best choice I made with this computer.

Oops, didn't realise you were using Ubuntu.

It does look like a new drive will be needed here anyway, TBH.
How old is it?

2 years.

What length is your warranty?

Only came with a limited warranty. 1 year I think.

Have you tried calling Dell?

You could get an external disc reader/writer. Link
You'd be talking about 45-50 dollars.

Does the "Device Manager" show any problems?
System>Preferences>Hardware Information

I'm not too familiar with Linux so I'm not sure if it's capable of showing problems.

kpac wrote:Have you tried calling Dell?

You could get an external disc reader/writer. Link
You'd be talking about 45-50 dollars.

No, I don't think they'll provide support. Got it from Wal-mart. Plus the warranty is expired and I'm pretty tight on cash for the next few months.

2nd Post

When I ran windows, it never showed any problems under "Device Manager".

Have you ran a chkdisk on Windows?

Yep, always came out fine.

Are you dual-booting with Windows? Do you use iTunes by any chance?

Try uninstalling the device via device manager and it should automatically reinstall upon restart.

No, just Ubuntu. Not sure how on Ubuntu.

Is a reinstall an option? I can't come up with anything!

Other than that I'd try the Ubuntu Forums for help. I'm sorry I couldn't be more of a help.