"A required CD/DVD drive device driver is missing" when installing Windows 7

[biverix]

I have bought the HP 15-ay060nm notebook several days ago and when I try to install Windows 7 (64-bit) from the bootable flash drive I have made, I get an error saying "A required CD/DVD drive device driver is missing" and telling me to insert media containing it.

I have checked the integrity of the files and the drive and it's all good. I have also tried to boot the installation from both USB 3.0 and 2.0 to the same effect.

I understand this is a common problem when installing Windows 7, but could you please help me address this issue for my particular machine, as most of the solutions I have found seemed confusing and dependent on particular hardware or driver?

Thanks.

[CherylG]

I have seen this solved by removing the flash drive when you get the message and reinserting it. If that doesn't work try removing it then using a different slot.

https://youtu.be/J-4c-eCOBJI

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, @biverix :

Use this tool to incorporate the USB3 drivers into your W7 flash drive.

Select the applicable file to use based on the Windows operating system you run the tool on.

There is a readme file on the link for instructions to use the tool...

https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/25476/Windows-7-USB-3-0-Creator-Utility

[biverix]

Unfortunately plugging the drive in and out hasn't worked for me. 

I will try the method with incorporating the drives into the Windows ISO.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Try putting just the 64 bit USB driver folder from the file onto a flash drive.

After you select the install now option, select the Drive Options - Advanced menu, then select the Load Driver option.

You should now see the USB driver files listed.

If you check the box, it should only include the compatible driver.

[biverix]

It worked! Thanks.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

[sleibo]

I had this problem when trying to install Win7 from a USB drive.  Spectre X360-13T-3000 model laptop.  Problem is that Win7 does apparently not come with USB 3.0 drivers, but both the USB ports on this laptop are USB3.0.  These are identified NOT by a blue socket (as discussed in other forums) but by the SS logo: 

Solution that worked for me:

Go into system bios, system configuration

Select USB 3.0 Configuration in Pre-OS.  Change this setting from "Enabled" to "Auto".  This allows the 2 USB ports on this computer to function as USB 2.0 ports during bootup, but once the OS starts they will be switched to USB 3.0.  You can set this back to "Enabled" after you have installed the OS.

Hit F10 to save and exit, and the port will now read your Win7 installation from the USB stick.

[sleibo]

However I now have another problem. Got Win7 installed.  Under device manager, the Network Controller, PCI SImple Comm Device, SM Bus Controller, USB Controller and Unknown device are all with yellow !.  I can download drivers for Win8.1 from the HP site, which may work, but how do I get them onto this laptop?  Since Network controller and USB controller are both not working, there is no way to load the drivers!  Help!  Thanks.

[CherylG]

@sleibo Does changing the usb ports to 2.0 in BIOS not help?