This article describes a problem with CD or DVD drives not work, or is missing, or not recognized after installing or uninstalling programs.

Learn how to configure your Xbox console to control discs and the Blu-ray player.

Cannot copy files to the CD-R/CD-RW drive Symptoms You may experience one of the following symptoms: A Recording tab does not appear in the properties of your CD-R/CD-RW drive. You cannot copy files to the CD-R/CD-RW drive. You receive the following error message: The disk in the drive is not a writable CD or it is full.

Alternatively, if installation doesn't start automatically, browse the disc to find the program setup file, usually called Setup.exe or Install.exe. Open the file to start installation.

When you copy music, pictures, and videos from your PC to a blank CD or DVD, it's called "burning." When you copy music, pictures, and videos from a CD or DVD to your PC, it's called "ripping."

You format a DVD+/-RW in the "Like a USB flash drive" format, and then you write some files to the DVD+/-RW. After you eject and then reinsert this DVD+/-RW into the DVD+/-RW drive, you cannot write a file to the DVD+/-RW.

Download the drivers for the desired device from the device manufacturer's site. Make sure to download the correct drivers that match the version and architecture of Windows. Once downloaded, if necessary, uncompress the downloaded drivers. Make a note of where the drivers are located on the Windows device.

First, you'll need to download the troubleshooter. Download troubleshooter. If you see the File Download box when you start downloading, select Run or Open. The troubleshooter provides steps for you to follow. If a program isn't listed in the uninstall options, you'll be asked for that program's product code.

On a computer that is running Microsoft Windows Server 2003, you cannot burn a CD-R, a CD-RW, a DVD-R, a DVD+R/DVD+RW, a DVD-RW or a DVD-RAM that complies with the Universal Disk Format (UDF) 1.5 file system standard.

To resolve the issue, use one of the following methods: Insert a removable disk in the removable drive before you start the computer. Log on to the computer as Administrator. Insert a disk in the removable drive. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Manage. Click Disk Management.