Disk Drive Won't Read

Disk drives are slowly becoming obsolete, but you may still need them every now and then. Installing the software and drivers provided by various PC hardware and peripherals manufacturers usually requires the use of a disk drive. In addition to this, installing a fresh copy of your favorite operating system is also something that usually warrants the use of a disk drive. As you can see, if you ever need to use a disk drive, it will probably be for something important – this is why encountering disk drive issues can be a huge problem. If your disk drive does not read the disks you are supplying it, then you should check out these troubleshooting tips that might help you solve the problem.

Check the Disk Tray

The tray might have been damaged, or the CD might not have been positioned correctly. In addition to this, we suggest examining the underside of the disk you are using for damages – if it has been scratched or damaged in any way, then this might be the reason why your disk drive is failing to read it.

Check Cables and Connections

If you are using an external disk drive, then you need to verify that everything has been connected properly. If the connection cable is loose or damaged, it is probably why your disk drive is failing to fulfill its purpose.

Troubleshoot the Drive's Optical Lens

Disk drives are read via an optical lens, which might accumulate dirt and dust particles over the years. It is recommended to use a lens-cleaning disk periodically, or, alternatively, you may try cleaning it via compressed air.

Update Disk Drive Firmware

Some disk drives might not operate reliably if they do not find the appropriate firmware and software on your computer. We advise you to download the latest drivers and other software from the drive vendor's official website.

Reinstall the Disk Drive through Windows

Load the Windows Device Manager by looking for it from the Windows Start Menu. Once there, expand the 'DVD/CD-ROM drives' tab, and look for your primary disk drive. Right-click it and select 'Uninstall device.' Restart your computer and wait for Windows to identify and install the device again.