CD/DVD Writer not reading disks

[handydad]

I recently reset my Win10 operating system and now the CD/DVD writer will not read disks

When I insert a disk, being a data disk, music disk, or program install disk the drive actuates, starts running and eventually kicks the disc out and I get a message on the screen to insert a disk.

I checked the driver in the Device Manager and it says the device is working properly.  Just for grins and giggles I decided to update the driver, but it tells me that it us using the most up to date driver.

In "File Explorer"  It recognizes the disk only if I click on "This PC"  and only shows it in the right hand pane, not in the List Pane.  Before resetting Win10, it should it in both panes. 

Any suggestions on how to fix this will be greatly appreciated.

Thank-You

[old_geekster · Accepted solution]

@handydad, welcome to the forum.

You may want to try uninstalling the drive and reinstalling it.  Sometimes when an update has been made to the OS it can cause a glitch in the peripherals.

Please click the Thumbs up + button if I have helped you and click Accept as Solution if your problem is solved.

[mdklassen]

> ... eventually kicks the disc out and I get a message on the screen to insert a disk.

Try the media in some other CD/DVD device.  If it is readable, then it's your CD/DVD hardware that is at fault.

> I checked the driver in the Device Manager and it says the device is working properly. 

That message is misleading you.  Windows indicate that the correct device-driver is installed, but you have a "mechanical" problem, such a a burnt-out laser inside the device, preventing any media from being read.  The laser bounces light off the media, and it reads the reflected light.  No laser means no reflection means no data being read.

Compare to having a flashlight battery: it may look OK -- not corroded, not leaking -- but it may produce no voltage/amperage.

[handydad]

Thank-you old_geekster ... I did just that and it's working like it should.  I appreciate your help.

[old_geekster]

You are welcome, @handydad!  Glad to help.