CD/DVD Drive

Not Reading Discs?

 

If your CD/DVD drive stops reading disks, the 1st thing to check is another disc.  If it’s still not reading them, ensure that you are caring properly for your discs.  CD/DVDs are affected by excessive heat, scratches, bending, or twisting.

 

The following steps will help you properly care for your disks:

1. When removing a disc from a hard protective case (a “jewel” case), push down on the centre hub, then remove the disc by handling only the outer edges of the disc.  Never remove a disc by prying upwards on the outer edges.
2. Make sure when you place a disc into the drive, that it is placed properly into the drive.  If it is not properly seated, when the drive’s carriage is closed it will bind up on the disc and possibly gouge or scratch the disc.
3. The single-sided disc is inserted into the drive with the title/artwork facing upwards.
4. Keep your discs away from extreme heat.  Never store a disc in direct sunlight, such as on the dashboard of your car.
5. Clean your discs with a soft cloth slightly dampened with water.  Never use any abrasive materials on the disc.  When wiping, use straight-line strokes, from the inner circle to the outer edges of the disc.  Never wipe in a circular motion.  Be sure that the CD/DVD is completely dry before returning it to its protective case, or inserting it into the drive.
6. Do not stack discs on top of one another.  Store them in their protective cases.

If the problem is not with the disc itself, try the following steps:

1. Go to “Start”.  Right click on “My Computer”, then “Properties”, “Hardware” tab, “Device Manager”, “DVD/CD-ROM Drives”.
2. Right click on the correct drive, and select “Uninstall” from the menu.
3. Restart your computer.

This will uninstall, then reinstall the drive.

If this does not correct the problem, you will need to bring your computer in to have it correctly diagnosed.

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