PC not recognizing my DVD drive..

[A Casual Fitz]

When I go to My Computer it's just empty where it used to be. I'm in the device manager and it shows an exclamation mark next to the DVD drive's name. I can't seem to fix it.

 

[BoomerD]

I've had 3 CD/DVD drives die in the past 12 months. Not always the same symptoms...one did exactly the same as yours...not found in "My Computer, but still listed in Device Manager...Tried uninstalling it, reinstalling it...no help. Just doesn't work.

The others still showed in "My Computer," showed in Device Manager, but when you put a disk in them...that never registered...DOA.
I'd try uninstalling/reinstalling the drive...and any drivers if you have them. Otherwise...it may be time for a new drive.

 

[A Casual Fitz]

The model is the LG GH22LS30 if that helps anything.

 

[A Casual Fitz]

The drive still opens and closes fine. I also had VirtualDrive installed and it is showing the same symptoms. This makes me think it's not a physical problem with my DVD drive.

 

[bamacre]

Try switching out the data cable?

 

[A Casual Fitz]

I fixed the problem. After more forum searching I saw someone suggest deleting a specific entry in regedit. I did so, restarted and it was magically back in my computer.

 

[BoomerD]

I fixed the problem. After more forum searching I saw someone suggest deleting a specific entry in regedit. I did so, restarted and it was magically back in my computer.

Hmm...more info on the fix please. I still have the "dead" drives in a box. It'd be nice if I could somehow restore them to use in a secondary computer.

 

[Maverick6969]

Hmm...more info on the fix please. I still have the "dead" drives in a box. It'd be nice if I could somehow restore them to use in a secondary computer.

Deleting the upper & lower filters is the solution. It is something that I had to do often for computers running Vista. If you're running a different OS, I am not sure messing around w/ these registry keys will apply.