The invention is disclosed a method for promptly protecting a voice coil
motor in an optical disk drive. A step (A) allows a data signal processor
(DSP) to execute a protect module of the voice coil motor every preset
time interval. In a step (B), the DSP executes following further steps
during executing the protect module. A step (b1) reads tracking error
(TE)/focusing error (FE) and determines if the TE/FE is over a safety
range. A step (b2) starts a gain decrease operation of a signal amplifier
if the TE/FE in step (b1) has been over the safety range for more than
the first preset number of times so as to lower the control current
outputting to the voice coil motor. A step (b3) starts an operation of
speed reduction and a low current operation of a controller to secure the
voice coil motor being safe if the TE/FE in step (b1) has been over the
safety range for more than a second preset number of times.