Ž.Oškutis

Times out of number, you are beset with a typical scenario wherein the CD drive is not identified or the CD drive does not function.  A dreadful thought haunts your mind that a virus could have crept into the system and wrought damage.  If you suspect this, start the Antivirus application to detect the presence of any virus.  Though this may not totally eradicate the havoc caused by the virus, it could resolve the problem of your CD drive malfunction. Reason for non- identification of the CD drive could be due to corruption of the drive or the absence of CD/DVD ROM drivers.

Issues with CD Drives and Remedies

Occasionally, upon coming across the instruction ‘Safely removing the hardware’ on the laptops, through oversight CD/DVD ROM is pulled out instead of the USB drive. It immediately triggers the situation of the missing CD drive.  You need not worry, as the CD drive will be restored to normalcy if you release the notch and let it go back by forcing it down.  With this operation, the CD is once again attached to the laptop.  This could be confirmed by activating My Computer and the CD drive icon will be found at its earlier location.

The issue of CD drive not being identified is caused by the drivers.  Cincinnati Laptop Repair recommends the following actions to check for the existence of CD drivers and if they are damaged: Activate Properties after right-clicking on My Computer.  Activate the Hardware tab and choose Device Manager.  Activate the plus sign from the various options shown beside the DVD/CD-ROM drives.  Should a CD drive show up with a red cross, upon activating the plus icon, it confirms the identification of the CD but not enabled. Right click on the drive and enable it after choosing this option.  Your issue of identification of the drive is resolved.

Hardware and Software Method for Identification

In spite of the suggested actions, if the CD drive cannot be identified, it would be due to the limitations of the system or the lack of proper drivers to aid its functioning. You could confirm this by further detection or call Cincinnati Computer Repair.  Access the BIOS system by restarting the laptop.  As the restarting commences, activate the functional keys F1 or F8 several times and you will land in the BIOS setup.  By picking the right choices on the menu, you could confirm if the CD/DVD ROM is present in the drives.  Should the CD drive be still unidentifiable in spite of carrying out the above operation, it is suggested that you take the hardware route.

Dismantle the cabinet of the CPU.  It is observed that two ducts with different functions – for information transmission and for providing electricity are connected to the CD/DVD ROM. They emerge from the motherboard and the SMPS.  Connect both the ducts once again and verify for CD drive identification. This operation will take care of your ‘CD drive disappeared’ fault – assuming that CD drive is noticeable but does not facilitate reading or writing of files.    To tide over this predicament, access Properties by right clicking on My Computer.  Choose the Device Manager from the Hardware Menu.  Activate the plus sign beside the DVD/CD-ROM.  Activate on the name of the CD drive appearing and locate Uninstall from Device Manager.  Access Scan for Hardware Changes from Action menu.  Windows will discover the lost drive and reinstall it.