Read-error management during retrieving data storage-medium employing a data-retrieving optical beam

A compact disk read-only-memory (CD-ROM) data handling system for reading data from a CD by employing a CD drive which is controlled by a computer through an CD-interface to operate at several reading speeds. The CD-ROM data handling system includes a read-error management program executed by the computer for managing a read error. The read-error management program issuing a speed control command through the CD-interface for reducing the CD drive to a lower speed for reading the CD-ROM again at a lower speed whereby the read error is more likely to be prevented. In a preferred embodiment, the read-error management program is provided to automatically issue the speed control command to reduce the CD drive to a lower speed when a read-error occurs. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the read-error management program is provided to receive a user input for issuing the speed control command to reduce the CD drive to a lower speed when a read-error occurs.