[Discuss] Incompatibility LG CDROMs and Slackware with kernel 2.6.13??

[Larry Gagnon]

I have just encountered a rather strange problem. I am installing
VectorLinux (based on Slackware) on a number of donated Celeron 500
IBM computers. Each of these computers uses LG CRD-8480C CDROM drives.
The installation cannot be completed - it hangs part way through. If I
replace the CDROM with any other make or model everything works fine.
This occurs with all these LG CDROM's so it is not possible that I just
have a couple of defective ones.

When I try running the Slax 5.1.6 LIVE CDROM the same problem occurs,
but does not occur with either my Puppy Linux or or System Rescue
Live CD's. I suspect this is a kernel issue, as both the above
faults are with kernel 2.6.13, but I could be wrong. 

In searching the Internet I note that LG had previous firmware
incompatibilities with Mandrake v9.2, where a Mandrake install would
actually fry the CDROM drive. A firmware upgrade provided by LG
solved the problem. I suspect this might be a similar sort of case.

Has anyone had a similar experience or heard of what might be a
solution other than trashing all these good CDROM drives?

Larry Gagnon