I just bought a new dvd burner and the drive is black, but my computer is beige…

Can I take the front off my other drive (its beige) and put it on the black drive? Thanks. :confused

 

Most face plates are interchangeable. However, if they are from different makers, Lite-On, Sony, etc. may I suggest a can of beige spray paint? I may be wrong, but I don't think that face plates from different makers are interchangeable.

 

The face plates must be identical in several ways. Usually the tray will be in a standard position so thats usually not a problem, not ar the mounts for the face plate, they're pretty much standardized too. Its the button position and shape as well as the activity lights position that can throw things for a loop. Also be aware there is a small hole on the front of every face plate to force open the tray if it gets stuck (using a straightened out large paper clip), and that position must be the same inorder to use that function, but is not a critical thing.

Your next problem would be is the tray set up for a cover change. Some trays are one solid piece, and in others the little tray face comes off. If the tray face doesn't come off then to swap face plates you will have to remove the tray to take the plate off from the back of the tray and put the new on. And getting it back exactly in the right place is tricky. I have done it several times and it still takes me a few trys to get it right.

You would need to remove the top metal cover of the unit, eject the tray with the paperclip, pull it out all the way and depress the two tabs inside on each side to remove the tray. Swap plates and then prepare to put the tray back in. This is the tricky part cause as you try and put it in the gears will move out of position so you have to kind of hold them still with one hand as you insert the tray with the other and then let the gears go at the right time as the trays linear gear teeth start to move them. If you don't get it just right, the tray can slam shut or not quite close all the way depending on your position.

Edit, did you look in the box the drive came in? several of mine came with two faceplates.

 

Why did you buy a black one if you wanted beige