Symptoms

Your CD or DVD drive is not seen in File Explorer (called Windows Explorer in Windows 7 and earlier versions of Windows), and the device is marked with a yellow exclamation point in Device Manager. Additionally, after you open the device's Properties dialog box, one of the following errors is listed in the Device status area:

  • Windows cannot start this hardware device because its configuration information (in the registry) is incomplete or damaged. (Code 19)

  • The device is not working properly because Windows cannot load the drivers required for this device. (Code 31)

  • A driver (service) for this device has been disabled. An alternate driver may be providing this functionality. (Code 32)

  • Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware. The driver may be corrupted or missing. (Code 39)

  • Windows successfully loaded the device driver for this hardware but cannot find the hardware device. (Code 41)

This issue may have occurred after one of the following situations:

  • You upgrade the Windows operating system.

  • You install or uninstall CD or DVD recording programs.

  • You uninstall Microsoft Digital Image.

There are various reasons why a CD or DVD drive is not detected. The resolutions that are listed in this article may help solve some instances but not all instances of this problem.  You may also need to contact your hardware manufacturer for assistance with your hardware.

Resolution

For each of the following methods, click on the header, and it will open to show you more info:

For Windows 10, skip to Method 2.

In Windows 7 and 8.1, to open the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter, follow these steps:

  1. Press the Windows logo key + R to open the Run dialog box.

  2. Type control in the Run dialog box, then press Enter.

  3. In the Search box in Control Panel, type troubleshooter, and then click Troubleshooting.

  4. Under the Hardware and Sound item, click Configure a device. If you are prompted to enter an administrator password or provide confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

If your problem is not solved, try the next method.

  1. Verify the drive is activated in the BIOS. BIOS systems vary by device. If you are not sure how to verify the drive settings in your device’s BIOS, contact the manufacturer of your device.

  2. Also, verify with the manufacturer of the computer if the drive came with it, or the manufacturer of the drive if it was purchased separately that the chipset drivers for the device are current.

If your problem is not solved, try the next method.

To update the driver, search for the driver on the device manufacturer's website, and then follow the installation instructions on the website. To reinstall the driver, follow these steps:

  1. Press the Windows logo key + R to open the Run dialog box.

  2. Type devmgmt.msc in the Run dialog box, then press Enter. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or select Allow

  3. In Device Manager, expand DVD/CD-ROM drives, right-click the CD and DVD devices, and then select Uninstall.

  4. When you are prompted to confirm that you want to remove the device, select OK.

  5. Restart the computer.

After the computer restarts, the drivers will be automatically installed. If your problem is not solved, try the next method.

To remove and reinstall IDE/ATAPI driver, follow these steps:

  1. From Start, search for Device Manager. Open Device Manager from the search results, and select the View menu. Choose Show Hidden Devices.

  2. Expand IDE/ATAPI Controllers, and then:

    • Select and right-click ATA Channel 0, and then click Uninstall

    • Select and right-click ATA Channel 1, and then click Uninstall

    • Select and right-click Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller, and then click Uninstall

    • If there are additional entries, right-click them and then choose Uninstall

  3. Reboot the device.

After the computer restarts, the drivers will be automatically installed. If your problem is not solved, try the next method.

Need more help?

Want more options?

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.