No Commmon CD-ROM drive was detected

[Frans]

On Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:41:14 -0500, Robert Warmack wrote:

> I'm a first-time Linux user, switching from Windows.  I decided that I
> wanted to try the Kubuntu version - I build a new computer, all of the
> parts are functioning and recognized by the BIOS.  However, upon booting
> the computer from the Installation Disc which I burned  I receive the
> "No common CD-ROM drive was detected" error.  I have done some searching
> and found that I am not alone in this problem.  Unfortunately, I was
> unable to find a resolution for my predicament. (I have no floppy
> drive.)
> 
> http://ubuntuforums.org/archive/index.php/t-4447.html seems to be an
> entire thread concerning this problem, but it seems to peter out without
> giving a definitive answer.
> 
> - I have tried re burning the CD.
> - I was unable to try installing in "expert mode" because I could not
> find an adequate description of how to do so. (I'm brand new!) - I have
> verified that my md5sum matches. - My original SATA Mode was set to
> "Enhanced", so I tried it in "Compatible" mode.
> 
> Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!  Also, if this is something
> which I cannot fix - does anyone have any suggestions as to another good
> Linux distribution for a newbie who wants to get some experience with
> the OS? Thanks a bunch for you time and help!
> 
>                        Robert

I would try the latest knoppix live cd: http://www.knoppix.net/ . If that 
works it definitely seems a bug in Ubuntu 8.04 . Possibly related to this 
bug: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/cdrom-detect/+bug/210271 .

Good luck!

    -Frans