DVD or CD Drive Not Working

DVD or CD drives have become sort of obsolete since almost all types of software have been digitalized completely. However, many people still store valuable photos and videos or DVD and CD drives, or they used them to back up other important information. Understandably, having your DVD or CD drive malfunction when you need to use it is not an enjoyable experience. If your DVD or CD drive is not working for unknown reasons, then you may need to start trying out different troubleshooting tips. We have gathered some of the briefest and most efficient DVD and CD drive troubleshooting steps below:

Check for Compatibility Issues

Depending on the age of your DVD or CD drive, it may be incompatible with specific types of discs. For example, older drives might not be compatible with DVD drives at all – find the make and model of your device, and check if it supports DVD disks.

See if the disc you are using has not been damaged – examine the 'shiny' side of the disc and look for obvious scratch marks or other damage. A damaged disk might be impossible to read by any CD/DVD drive.

Apply Windows Updates

Windows Updates are meant to enhance your operating system's security and to introduce new features and fixes, which will provide you with a more enjoyable experience. If you suspect that some of your hardware or peripherals are malfunctioning, we suggest checking for pending Windows Updates and applying them. You can do this by going to the Start Menu -> Updates & Security -> Windows Update.

Troubleshoot Connectors

If you are using an external CD/DVD drive, it is very likely that you are using a plain USB cable to connect it to your computer. If the cable is damaged, it will incapacitate the CD/DVD drive. Try using a different cable, or verify that the one you are using is working by trying it out with another device.

Check for Driver Issues

Some CD/DVD drives may require additional drivers to operate properly, so make sure to head to the device manufacturer's website to check for any driver downloads. You can also head to the Start Menu -> Device Manager on Windows. Once there, expand the 'DVD/CD-ROM Drives' tab, and then right-click your device to select the 'Update Driver' option.

Reinstall the Faulty Device

Another thing to try if the problem is not resolved by now is to go to the Start Menu -> Device Manager section, and then expand the 'DVD/CD-ROM Drives' section. Right-click your device, and then click on 'Uninstall Device.' Reboot your computer to force Windows to reinstall the device and the appropriate drivers.