problem with my PC

[alina6]

For some reason the computer is no longer reading the CD Rom Drive. Every time I put in a disk it says not found. Any suggestions on how to get the CD rom restored? Thanks.

The computer is less than a year old.

[articx]

Does this happen with one disk, or all disks you tried?

Has your computer been reformatted since you had it?

[ancmetro]

   
       Take your PC and disks to your local library. Ask for help. They will show you what is wrong with PC.

[alina6]

Does this happen with one disk, or all disks you tried?

Has your computer been reformatted since you had it?

It happens with all the disks. I haven't reformatted the computer, I did take some upgrades from windows. I have been tryint to figure out if that had something to do with it.

[Falconer02]

If it's old, the laser might be super-dusty so all you'll need to do is spray it with some air. You can buy some at any office-supplies store for around 10$. Make sure you hold the can upright so it does not spray any liquid into it. If that does not work, try these-

If the drive icon is showing up in your "My computer" window, right-click it, go to "properties", go to the Hardware tab, click on the cd drive, and then click on properties. If it says the device is working properly and yet it still won't run, it might be defective. You may want to try the next step in the next paragraph though just to see. If it says it is not working properly, it's defective and probably needs to be replaced. HOWEVER since you said you've been updating windows, there's a chance that the updates may have overridden some of the drivers for the cd rom drive. I'd call microsoft and they'll probably guide you through how to fix it.

If the icon does not show up in the "My computer" window, it's probably a hardware issue. Unplug your pc and open it up and just see if the wires are pushed in tightly. Make sure you are not statically charged because a zap within the PC can damage it. If it still persists, reset your pc, hold F8 when it's booting and you'll get to your BIOS (blue screen usually). BE VERY CAREFUL AND DO NOT CHANGE ANY MAJOR THINGS IN HERE HAVING TO DO WITH YOUR HARD DRIVES! Check and see if the cd rom drive shows up anywhere. You may need to set it up so it recognizes it which shouldnt be too hard to figure out-- but remember not to toy with anything else that's already set up.

Hope this helps!

[alina6]

If it's old, the laser might be super-dusty so all you'll need to do is spray it with some air. You can buy some at any office-supplies store for around 10$. Make sure you hold the can upright so it does not spray any liquid into it. If that does not work, try these-

If the drive icon is showing up in your "My computer" window, right-click it, go to "properties", go to the Hardware tab, click on the cd drive, and then click on properties. If it says the device is working properly and yet it still won't run, it might be defective. You may want to try the next step in the next paragraph though just to see. If it says it is not working properly, it's defective and probably needs to be replaced. HOWEVER since you said you've been updating windows, there's a chance that the updates may have overridden some of the drivers for the cd rom drive. I'd call microsoft and they'll probably guide you through how to fix it.

If the icon does not show up in the "My computer" window, it's probably a hardware issue. Unplug your pc and open it up and just see if the wires are pushed in tightly. Make sure you are not statically charged because a zap within the PC can damage it. If it still persists, reset your pc, hold F8 when it's booting and you'll get to your BIOS (blue screen usually). BE VERY CAREFUL AND DO NOT CHANGE ANY MAJOR THINGS IN HERE HAVING TO DO WITH YOUR HARD DRIVES! Check and see if the cd rom drive shows up anywhere. You may need to set it up so it recognizes it which shouldnt be too hard to figure out-- but remember not to toy with anything else that's already set up.

Hope this helps!

Thanks - I am going to open up the computer this weekend. Hopefully this won't be the last time I post in the forum

[Falconer02]

Thanks - I am going to open up the computer this weekend. Hopefully this won't be the last time I post in the forum

It shouldn't be too difficult. Just make sure you don't shock anything. And if you're going to dust it, only use air duster spray. Don't vaccuum or wipe anything! Good luck!

[oldbuddy]

You can buy a replacement drive for about $30 and it's a simple unplug the old one and plug in the new one installation job.

[southernhorizons]

I have a similar problem; my laptop won't read DVD's but it will read and write CD's, and recognize blank DVD's. I think I have a software issue; my computer guy said he had a computer that did that and he ended up having to re-install Windows. He told me that a way to check to see if the drive is defective is to try running a different OS from an external drive. If the DVD drive works OK with that, then I probably need to reboot the Windows OS.

[oldbuddy]

I have a similar problem; my laptop won't read DVD's but it will read and write CD's, and recognize blank DVD's. I think I have a software issue; my computer guy said he had a computer that did that and he ended up having to re-install Windows. He told me that a way to check to see if the drive is defective is to try running a different OS from an external drive. If the DVD drive works OK with that, then I probably need to reboot the Windows OS.

You can boot Linux from a LiveCD or Pendrive without changing your Windows at all.

[southernhorizons]

I have a similar problem; my laptop won't read DVD's but it will read and write CD's, and recognize blank DVD's. I think I have a software issue; my computer guy said he had a computer that did that and he ended up having to re-install Windows. He told me that a way to check to see if the drive is defective is to try running a different OS from an external drive. If the DVD drive works OK with that, then I probably need to reboot the Windows OS.

You can boot Linux from a LiveCD or Pendrive without changing your Windows at all.

Yes, I know that, but I mean I'll have to re install Windows if I use Linux and determine that the drive itself is fine.