CD Drive Not Recognized

Once we encounter the problem "CD drive not recognized", we simply conclude that the root cause is some type of computer virus. Though this possibility cannot be entirely ruled out, most of the time, this may not be the reason. So, you need no worry. To rule out this possibility, simply run a full system scan with an authentic antivirus software and check if the problem is solved. Yes, I know, the damage done by a computer virus cannot be reversed completely by the antivirus, even though it cleans your system. But, if the disappearance of the CD drive is not your problem and it's just that it's not working, then scanning the system with an antivirus will definitely resolve your problem. So, that was all about the virus related problems. Now, what could be the possible reason that you are facing the problem wherein your CD drive disappeared. Let us try to figure out the reason and come to a solution regarding the same.

Why is My Computer's CD Drive Not Detected?

If this is the problem that you are facing, then probably the reason is that the CD/DVD ROM drivers have not been installed or may have been corrupted. But before we go into solving this problem, let me take into account another reason because of which your CD drive may not be recognized in laptop computers.

Many times, laptop computers show the option of 'safely removing the hardware' for CD/DVD ROMs, too. It may happen that while trying to remove an external USB drive, you mistakenly remove the CD/DVD ROM and then try to figure out the possible reason and solution for this problem. If that's the case, you need not worry. You will find a small notch below the CD/DVD ROM of your laptop, which you can press a bit so that the notch comes out. Once it has some out, press the notch back. This will connect the CD drive back to your computer. Now open your My Computer and check, you will find the CD drive symbol back at its place. With this problem being dealt with, let us go to the primary reason for a "CD drive not recognized problem" - the drivers.

To check if your CD drivers have been installed or corrupted, you need to follow a few simple steps.

• Right click on My Computer and select Properties.
• Select Device Manager after clicking the Hardware tab.
• From the list that appears click on the + sign next to DVD/CD-ROM drives.
• If a CD drive appears on clicking the + sign and has a red cross next to it, it indicates that the operating system has recognized the drive, but the CD drive is not enabled. Simply right click on the name of the drive and select Enable.
• This should resolve your problem.
• Now, if in case it's not showing the drive at all, it means that the system does not recognize this drive or does not have the proper drivers to get this drive to function.
• Considering that the CD drive is not visible, you can take a few more diagnosis steps, to confirm the problem.
• Enter the BIOS of your system. To do so, you need to restart your computer and press F1 or F8 repeatedly while the system boots. You will then enter the BIOS setup and by going through proper options, you can check if the CD/DVD ROM is enlisted in the drives.

Now, that was with the diagnosis part. Suppose on the completion of the last step, the CD drive was still not recognized, what do you do? First of all, try to go for the hardware approach. The hardware approach I am mentioning here, is strictly for desktop computers. Follow these simple steps to resolve any problem lying with the CD drive because of hardware problems.

• Open the cabinet of the CPU.
• There will be two cables going into the CD/DVD ROM. One is meant for the transfer of data and comes from the motherboard, while the other supplies power and comes from the SMPS.
• Reconnect both the cables and check out, if your CD drive is recognized. If 'CD drive disappeared' is your problem, then this will probably solve the problem.

Now, what if the CD drive is visible in My Computer but you cannot read or write files into a CD using it. No, of course you cannot put the drivers CD in your CD drive. It's already not working. So what do you do.

• Right click on My Computer and go to Properties.
• Under the Hardware tab select Device Manager.
• Click on the + sign next to DVD/CD-ROM. Click on the name of CD drive that gets listed and select the uninstall option, from the bar below the top menu of the Device Manager.
• Now click Action and select Scan for Hardware changes. Windows will automatically find the missing drive and reinstall it. This should solve your problem.

You must have probably understood after going through this article, formatting your computer is not always the last resort that you need, if you face any such problem.