my PC has quit recognizing my CD & DVD rom drives-what to do to get them back?

Question

please help-i don't have a validatable copy of windows xp pro

Answer 1

Firstly an invalid XP pro copy will not stop you from using your CD/DVD rom drives. So what you have to do is check that the BIOS recognises them. If not check that the power is connected to them and secondly check that your IDE cables are connect properly. Do this whilst your computer is off. So thats hardware bit sorted now to check the software bit. Go to My computer right click and select "Properties". the new panel will have tabs and you want click on the hardware tab and then on the "Device Manager" button. Click on the DVD/CD rom drives and check if windows actually recognises it.
If BIOS recognises it then Windows will as well however it could just mean your DVD ROM's Laser gas is finished and i recommend you buy a new one or better scrounge on off your friend and test if that works.

Answer 2

Write this down. Turn off machine, restart, it should give a message like hit del or F1 to enter setup. In standard mode, set all 4 IDE's to auto then hit esc and then save and exit setup. Pay attention to the machine as it starts as it will detect the drives in your PC. The HDD and CD ROM's should show on startup. If they don't, you'll need to turn it off then remove the side cover and check that the IDE cable is plugged properly into the board and the CD's and check that the power plugs are firmly in. If that doesn't solve the problem, it could be a faulty motherboard, a faulty IDE cable or a faulty CD ROM. If that is the case, you'll need to find someone that can do the work. Good luck!

Answer 3

The same thing happened to me. I checked the properties of my devices and went back to save points and I was still in the same boat.

After almost spending an un-holy amount on getting a new dvd drive and whatever other cost they were gonna hit me over the head with I just opened my laptop up and took a look myself. My problem was that the cable that connected my dvd drive to the mother board unattached itself from my drive.

One troubleshooting question is does power still go to your drive bay (if you hit the open button does it open). If not, this could be your likely problem.

The cable (bus controller) possibly is unattached. If you can open your laptop up (which may require removing the keyboard), you should be able to see if there is a connection or a loose one.

I am no expert when it came to it so it took me about 2 hours from start to finish (most time reassembling) and saved me about $200.

Good luck

Answer 4

Right click on MY COMPUTER and go to PROPERTIES/HARDWARE/DEVICE MANAGER click the plus sign beside CD/DVD ROM left click on the drive so that its hi-lighted in blue, right click and choose uninstall then OK. Restart the computer. You have now uninstalled/reinstall the drivers so try the drive. If this doesn't work you may be looking at updating the FIRMWARE for the drives. Basically downloading the latest drivers... Good luck

Answer 5

first try this way : Desktop\My Computer Propertis\Device Manager and then click on scan for hardware changes and see what happens also take a look if there are any CD\DVD drivers installed if there aren't you should check the jumpers!

Answer 6

commonly a standard reboot will scientific care the project. it particularly is plausible that a cable is unfastened, yet unlikely. If the CD force opens and closes you recognize the capacity cable is wonderful (they at the instant are not ordinary to get rid of besides). specific, verify the IDE cable - the two ends yet don;t be shocked if it additionally isn't unfastened.

Answer 7

turn off> remove and put back in the battery might have to reboot twice

Answer 8

reformat your harddisk
or get a technician to check for it