Blade server cannot access the media tray

If a blade server cannot access the media tray, the problem could be with the blade server, the blade server bay, the media tray, or the advanced management module.

Problem

A blade server is unable to access the media tray in the BladeCenter S chassis.

Investigation

Perform these steps to resolve the problem:
  1. Log in to the advanced management module and view the event log to determine if there are service processor communication errors for multiple blade servers. If so, see Service processor communication error displayed for multiple blade servers.
  2. If you are unable to select KVM from the front panel of the blade server, make sure the KVM options are enabled:
    1. From the advanced management module Web interface, click Blade Tasks > Remote Control .
    2. Verify that the following options are checked:
      • Enable local KVM switching
      • Enable local media tray switching
  3. Check the System Status page to make sure that all the blade servers have been discovered. Media tray selection will not work properly for any blade for which status is being discovered.
  4. Check the power LED on the front of the blade server. This LED should blink when the blade server is powered off and stay lit when the blade server is powered on.
  5. Verify that the CD LED on the blade server lights up solid when pressed.
    1. If the LED blinks instead, wait 30 seconds to give the advanced management module time to communicate with the blade server.
    2. If the LED still does not light up, press the CD button on another blade server in the BladeCenter S chassis. If it does not light up either, see Multiple blade servers cannot access the media tray.
    Note: It is possible to get ahead of the advanced management module when pressing media selection buttons between the blades. Always allow a few seconds for the advanced management module to respond before selecting another blade
  6. Determine whether the problem is with the blade server or the BladeCenter S chassis.
    1. Swap this blade with another blade in the BladeCenter S chassis that works or just move the blade to an empty slot in the same chassis.
    2. If the CD button problem follows the blade, then suspect the blade.
      1. From the advanced management module Web interface, click Firmware VPD to check the current service processor (BMC) firmware level.
      2. Find firmware updates for the BMC. Look in the firmware change history for and update the firmware if necessary.

        You can find the firmware by going to Sofware and device drivers - IBM BladeCenter and selecting the blade server that you have installed.

      3. Call IBM support.
    3. If the CD button problem stays with the blade server bay, move the blade back to the original bay and try again.
    4. If the problem persists, see Isolating component failures.
  7. If the blade server cannot boot or read data from the device in the media tray
    1. Make sure the appropriate entry for the DVD drive is listed in the blade boot sequence, shown in the advanced management module under Blade Tasks > Configuration > Boot Sequence .
    2. See Blade servers cannot communicate with the media tray.
  8. Verify that the DVD drive itself works with another blade server in the BladeCenter S chassis.
  9. If the problem seems to be a USB device, verify that the device is compatible with the BladeCenter USB interface and the software running on the blade.
    1. Verify the latest device driver is installed.
    2. Try the USB device on a non-blade server or blade server in another chassis running the same operating system type and version.
    3. Try another USB device.
    4. If no external USB devices work in the USB port, replace the media tray.
Parent topic: Troubleshooting media tray problems