dvd/cd player not working

[TigerWilliams]

My HP laptop's dvd/cd drive isn't recognizing any discs I insert. Troubleshooting was useless. Checked properties and it says the device is functioning properly (haha).  Will a BIOS update solve this problem?

[Sneha_01 · Accepted solution]

Hi @TigerWilliams,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

A BIOS update might not directly solve an issue with your DVD/CD drive not recognizing discs, especially if the BIOS update doesn't specifically address issues related to the optical drive. BIOS updates generally aim to improve system stability, compatibility, or performance, and might only indirectly affect hardware like DVD/CD drives by improving the overall hardware communication or fixing a very specific bug.

If troubleshooting through the operating system has not helped and the device properties indicate that the device is functioning properly, here are some steps you can try before considering a BIOS update:

Check for Physical Issues: Ensure there's no physical damage to the drive or the discs. Sometimes, dirt or debris on the lens can cause reading issues. A can of compressed air might help to clean out any dust.

Try Different Discs: Verify that the drive is not recognizing multiple discs, not just one potentially damaged or incompatible disc.

Driver Update or Reinstallation: Go to the Device Manager, find your DVD/CD drive, right-click on it, and choose "Update driver." You can also try uninstalling the device here, and then restarting your computer to allow Windows to reinstall the driver automatically.

Check Region Settings: If your drive is set to a different DVD region than your discs, it might not recognize them. You can check and change this in the DVD drive's properties in Device Manager.

Windows Troubleshooter: While you've mentioned troubleshooting was not helpful, ensuring you've used Windows' built-in troubleshooter specifically for the hardware and devices could be worth a try if not already done.

Try External Drive: As a workaround, consider using an external DVD/CD drive. They connect via USB and can help determine if the problem lies with the internal drive or somewhere else in the system.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Rachel571 

HP Support

[TigerWilliams]

Hi Rachel,

Yes, the BIOS update did the trick, ty, but not before I panicked and bought an external drive. Oh well, it's good to have backup!  Thanks again!