LG CD-ROM destroyed by Linux

[Hammer]

My LG DVD/CD-RW combo drive works with Red Hat Linux 9.0 setup…

[Hammer]

(Even then, Windows 98 wouldn't install properly* on a rather large base of Via-chipset-based boards.

I have no problems installing Windows 98 with my old MSI-6330 (KT133A), with V3.1 (and up to V3.6) and MSI-6330 V5.

**Issues installing with MSI supplied CD (obsolete) VIA drivers with BIOS 3 (i.e. causes BSOD). Version # 4.32.

[Hammer]

The conclusion is the same as always: unless you're an exclusive Windows user, stay away from hacky hardware manufacturers like Dell and LG.

Note that Dell is part of the “Unbreakable Linux” alliance i.e. with Red Hat Linux...

[Hammer]

What makes it a mess is that you can't resuscitate a drive yourself *after* the firmware's been wiped.

Have you tried MTK Win Flash (V 1.5.3.6) or MTKflash (V162)(DOS) to do a forced (i.e. Direct IDE Port Mode) flash?

I was forced to re-flash my LG drive after Blindwrite vs LG flash upgrade conflicts.  The conflicts caused the drive to be unusable (i.e. ruined firmware due to untimely system reset).