Missing CD or DVD Drive

Your CD or DVD drive will be missing from the list of devices at My Computer if there is a problem with the drive in the Device Manager.

Check the error code, and if it is 19, 31 or 39 then it can be easily resolved.  The important thing to remember is that your CD or DVD unit does not need to be replaced; and it does not require any additional drivers

The "Code 39" error

When you receive a code 39 error, it suggests that the drivers are corrupt or missing.  This implies that you need to reinstall your drivers. But you don't. Instead follow these instructions:

  1. Log on to Windows by using an account that has administrator rights and permissions.
  2. Start Registry Editor. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK. (Vista users omit "Run")
  3. Click on the plus signs (+) next to the following folders in the left side of the window:
    • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
    • SYSTEM
    • CurrentControlSet
    • Control
    • Class
    • {4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}
  4. Look for any of the following names in the right side of the window:
    • UpperFilters
    • LowerFilters
  5. If any of the items above are listed, right-click on them and choose Delete
  6. Save any open documents, then restart your computer
  7. Your problem should be resolved: Open My Computer and check to see if your CD or DVD drives have returned.

Note: You may need to reinstall your CD or DVD burning software.

Hint:  the Troubleshooter is almost always pointless

 

It's Still Missing!

What if I have done all this; I've looked for the UpperFilters and the LowerFilters and they're not there? Or I've deleted them, rebooted, and still no CD/DVD drive?

Good question -If you are using Windows XP or Windows Vista, you may wish to try the Microsoft CD/DVD Fix It software from here

 



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