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I need some help.

I have two TR’s, a TR3AP and a TR1B.  The TR1B is the system I am trying to rehab and sell (maybe the 3AP later).

The TR1B is a Japanese version (via Dynamism a long while ago), but a new US keyboard works fine.  I’ve taken the Bluetooth out of the TR1B over to the TR3AP and traded hard disks, etc.  I’ve taken these systems apart quite a few times, so I kind of know my away around them, but some weird stuff has been happening and need your help.  All the weirdness here refers to the TR1B.

Weird thing number one:

When I reassemble the system, once I put the DVD back in, the system won’t boot.  If I take the DVD out, it boots fine.  Now, if I connect the DVD BUT don’t have it touch the motherboard (kind of hold it in my hands), the system boots (and plays DVDs).  I’ve hit the little hidden reset button, etc.  Very consistent in its annoyance.

So it sounds like a short somewhere on the motherboard?  I’ve thought of wrapping the DVD in electric tape (just kidding), but even when I place a piece of paper on the space where it sits, same problem.  I think there is some interaction between the drive frame and the motherboard.  Anyway…

Weird thing number two:

I have a bad USB port - (the one on the right side, with the mic/headphone jack).  You can tell the USB connector is physically bad, the inside has a broken piece.

So I pull the board out and try to desolder the port.  HA!!  First you can’t find USB port components ‘even’ at Fry’s (they do have firewire and lots and lots of serial port components) and besides I’m not great with the soldering iron (although I got a great deal for one at Radio Shack).

Anyway, I decide to bit the bullet and buy a new board from Impact Electronics (around $80) and install it.  No USB connectivity - like a mouse does not work on that side, but the other USB port, fine.  Now, there is USB power (the mouse lights up), but nothing.  I need to test the mic/head phone jack still.

Now my question on this one is - the USB board number is CNX-236, the old board (which you cannot find) is CNX-213, but they look absolutely identical.  I don’t know if this problem is related to the weird DVD problem, but whatever.

Funny (not if you’re me) other thing - by taking the top case on and off so many times, the fragile ribbon cable is broken, so I have to get a new one of those.

Final question for the hive (or at least what’s left of us TR fans):

I’m in around $160 (new US keyboard at $75, USB board at $80).  I haven’t a clue what it might be worth, but after a reinstall of Windows and updated drivers, it was a pretty snappy little box.

Should I just part this out (it worked fine before - except for broken USB) or continue on my trek to fix it?