Member Avatar for WCH1086

I'm not sure how this happened but sometime during the operation of my laptop the software for running my Cd-Rom drive was deleted or something. When I put a cd in the light will flash like it's reading it but that's all that happens. When I go to My Computer the cd-rom drive doesn't show up. I've tried using the Run command but it does not work. Please help!

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by jakiemundell

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Quick troubleshooting checklist and safe fixes (builds on suggestions already posted by and , and confirms ’s follow-up).

Start simple: try to boot from a known-good bootable disc or USB (Live Linux or a Windows install disc). If the machine can boot and read the disc the drive hardware is likely OK; if the BIOS/UEFI does not list the optical device, the problem is almost always physical (power/data cable or the laptop’s slimline ribbon) rather than Windows. (microcenter.com)

Windows-side triage (quick commands): open Device Manager and look under DVD/CD-ROM drives. To reveal ghosted entries use:

set DEVMGR_SHOW_NONPRESENT_DEVICES=1 && devmgmt.msc

If you see the drive (even faded), right-click → Uninstall device, then reboot so Windows redetects it. Also check Disk Management (diskmgmt.msc) in case the drive is present but has no letter. Showing hidden devices and removing stale entries often fixes driver conflicts. (makeuseof.com)

Registry and deeper fixes (backup first): export the {4D36E965-...} class key and create a System Restore point before editing. Removing corrupted UpperFilters/LowerFilters values under the CD/DVD class GUID frequently restores a missing drive; reputable walkthroughs show the exact steps and warn you to back up first. If that still fails, try the atapi controller workaround (run an elevated command prompt):

reg.exe add "HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\atapi\Controller0" /f /v EnumDevice1 /t REG_DWORD /d 0x00000001

then reboot. Back up the registry and note that reinstalling burning software may be required afterward. (lifewire.com)

When it’s hardware: if the BIOS never detects the drive after the software/registry steps, inspect or reseat the laptop’s optical-module connection (many slimline units use fragile FPC ribbons) or run the OEM hardware diagnostics; replacing the slimline module or using an inexpensive external USB DVD drive is a practical fallback. Service manuals and A+ guides cover safe reseating and replacement procedures. (manuals.plus)

Note: back up the registry and create a restore point before any Registry edits; if unsure, try the Device Manager / uninstall → reboot steps first.

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Member Avatar for coolraj003

I don't think u can geit to show up by run command but u can search for it in you printers and other hardware section of the control panel. see if that helps u locate the drive.

Possibility is there for it to be physically disconnected from the connectors in which case u ll have to check for any loose connectors by opening it up. But then again i could be wrong.
I was gonna ask u to check for drivers but if it doesnt show at all then looking for upto date drivers is a bit irrelevant. But try with the control panel and see if u can get it up and let us know.

Regards
Raj

Member Avatar for jakiemundell

Worked like a charm!

Thanks for posting!

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