This video shows how to troubleshoot your computer when the CD/DVD drive cannot read discs.
Before you begin troubleshooting the disc drive,
test to see which types of discs cannot be read.
If the drive can read many types of discs,
but cannot read discs that were burned on another computer, follow these steps.
First, make sure the disc is able to play on the computer that was used to burn it.
If that computer cannot play it,
the issue is with the disc or the other computer's burn capabilities.
Make sure the disc type is compatible with both the computer burning the disc
and the computer playing the disc.
Make sure the disc burning session was closed after the disc was finished.
Try burning the disc at a lower speed.
Even though the disc type might be compatible with a faster burn rate,
the playback could be less compatible in other drives.
Try burning the disc at 4 times normal speed before using it on other computers.
Try burning and playing three different brands of blank discs before troubleshooting the drive.
If your CD/DVD drive can read some types of discs,
but not discs that were purchased from a store,
or those from a music or software company, follow these steps.
First, make sure the disc drive is listed in Device Manager.
On the Start screen,
type device manager, then select Device Manager from the Search charm results.
Double-click DVD/CD-ROM drives to expand the category.
If a name for a CD/DVD drive does not appear,
or it is listed with errors,
close Device Manager.
For additional help when your drive is not detected in Device Manager,
go online to hp.com/support.
If the CD/DVD drive is listed,
go to the next step to make sure AutoPlay is enabled.
Follow these steps to enable AutoPlay.
On the Windows 8 Start screen,
type AutoPlay and then select AutoPlay from the Search charm results.
Make sure Use AutoPlay for all media and devices is selected.
Click the drop-down menu next to every DVD, Blu-ray and CD item,
and select Ask me every time.
Then click Save.
Follow these steps to see if the problem is caused by a poor-quality disc.
Try playing a software CD and see what happens.
If AutoPlay opens, the drive is able to read the disc.
If nothing happens, the drive is unable to read the disc.
Press the eject button to remove the disc.
Try at least three more software CDs.
Make sure they are in good condition and work on other computers.
If any discs fail to open, set them aside.
If the discs open, then the disc drive is working.
Repeat these steps using music CDs from different manufacturers.
After testing several types of discs, try using the failed discs in another computer.
If the discs still will not open, they might be damaged.
If the discs open on another computer,
continue to the next step to troubleshoot the drive.
Follow these steps to test if the drive can read discs from a command prompt.
At the Start screen, type command prompt,
then select Command Prompt in the Search charm results.
Type diskpart at the command prompt
and press Enter.
If you are prompted for an Administrator password or confirmation,
type the password or provide confirmation.
Place a disc that failed when tested earlier in the drive.
Wait about 20 seconds.
Type list volume at the command prompt,
then press Enter.
Information about the disc appears.
Under the Ltr column,
find and make a note of the drive letter next to the CD/DVD drive that contains the disc.
Type Exit and press the Enter key to return to the command prompt.
Type the letter for the drive that contains the disc, followed by a colon.
Then press Enter.
Type dir, then press Enter.
If a list of filenames and folders is shown on the screen,
the disc data is recognized by the drive.
Continue to reinstall the drive in Device Manager.
Follow these steps to remove and reinstall the drive name in Device Manager.
First, remove any discs from the drive.
On the Start screen, type device manager,
then select Device Manager from the Search charm results.
Double-click DVD/CD-ROM drives.
Right-click the drive name and select Uninstall.
Click Yes or OK to remove the drive listing,
and then close Device Manager.
On the Start screen, click the Power icon, then select Restart.
When Windows opens, the drive is automatically configured,
and the listing is restored in Device Manager.
Try using the CD or DVD drive again to see if it can read discs.
If it works, you are finished troubleshooting.
If it does not work, use the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.
Windows 8 includes a troubleshooter that checks hardware,
such as CD or DVD drives, for problems.
Follow these steps to use the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.
On the Start screen, type find and fix problems,
then select Find and Fix Problems in the Search charm results.
Under Hardware and Sound,
click Configure a device.
If you are prompted for an Administrator password or confirmation,
type the password or provide confirmation.
Click Next.
Windows checks for problems.
If the troubleshooter detects problems,
follow the on-screen instructions to fix the problem.
If the drive is still missing after using the troubleshooter,
use Microsoft System Restore.
If the computer still cannot read the disc,
use System Restore to go back to a time when the drive was working.
Find more information about how to use System Restore on this YouTube channel,
youtube.com/HowTo4U.
When System Restore is complete,
Try using the CD or DVD drive again to see if it can read discs.
If it works, you are finished troubleshooting.
If it does not work, the drive might need to be replaced.
You can find additional helpful videos at hp.com/SupportVideos
and on our YouTube channel, youtube.com/HowTo4U.