The front panel LED provides drive status that is dependent on indicator flash rate. After the tray is closed, the LED blinks at 0.8 second intervals. After initial spin up, the LED:
Turns off, indicating that the drive is in a Data Read/Standby mode or that no disc is mounted
Flashes at 1.6 second intervals when playing an audio CD
Remains on when accessing data or performing a data transfer
If the drive remains inactive for a long period, the spindle motor stops, and the LED turns off. When the drive receives another command, the spindle motor starts and the LED lights automatically.