Member Avatar for blaze420711

hi i ended up posting in here a while ago about the same problem i think but i cant remember. anyway my dvd drive is giving me a hard time loading any discs that will go in the drive. i try and burn dvds and it will only let me burn 1 dvd a day. 2 if i'm lucky. i tried cleaning the disc with a disc cleaner but it still does the same thing. i thought it was a bad drive but the only symptom i have is that i put it in and it starts to make the sound that its going to load but it sometimes doesn't load. the drives not loud or noisy. it registers with the computer and it shows i have a d drive. but i don't know whats wrong with it. i don't really have money to take it anywhere to get it fixed and looked at.

                               would the drive do that if the software of the drive needed to be updated? how can you tell the drive would need to be updated or how would you even diagnose a software problem with the dvd drive? thank you in advanced to anyone that responds and helps. the laptop i have is a toshiba satellite L355(not sure if that helps either but ill give you that too). thank you.
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  • Latest Post Latest Post by rubberman

Dani AI

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As described the drive sometimes spins but fails to load discs; intermittent loading like that is most often mechanical (worn laser, motor, or tray/sensor), so ’s point about misalignment and replacement is a sensible starting place. Before replacing the drive, a few inexpensive checks will quickly separate software/OS issues from a physical failure.

Quick diagnostic steps (safe, in order):

  • Try different media: a pressed/commercial DVD, a burned DVD from another brand, and a CD. If pressed discs also fail, the fault is almost certainly hardware.
  • Check Device Manager (Windows): run devmgmt.msc, expand DVD/CD-ROM drives. If the device shows an error, right-click → Uninstall device, then reboot so Windows redetects it.
  • Remove corrupted filters (Windows only): back up the registry, open regedit and go to
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}
    Export the key, then delete UpperFilters and LowerFilters values if present, then reboot. This resolves many read/recognition problems caused by software hooks.
  • Confirm the drive appears in BIOS/UEFI. If it vanishes from BIOS the issue is almost certainly hardware or a loose connector.
  • Boot-test: try a known-good bootable disc or bootable USB to exercise the drive outside Windows.
  • Reseat connections: on a desktop check SATA and power cables; on a laptop carefully reseat the slimline connector (ESD precautions).

Firmware updates can sometimes improve media compatibility but must match the exact drive model and are risky if applied incorrectly. Given the age of a Satellite L355, replacement is often the most cost-effective fix; a slimline swap or a cheap external USB DVD drive will restore reliable burning/reading. Short checklist: test multiple discs; reinstall driver; remove registry filters; check BIOS; boot-test; reseat cables; replace if still intermittent.

Member Avatar for rubberman

Usually this is a head/sensor mis-alignment issue. That usually requires replacing the drive, which is cheaper to do than repair if the drive is out of warranty. Given that they can be had for $10-35 USD these days (for dvd burners), save your pennies and get a new one!

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