The CD, DVD, or Blu-ray drive on your computer may not be able to recognize or read any disks. My Computer or File Explorer (it was called Windows Explorer in Microsoft Windows 7 and earlier versions of Microsoft Windows) may show the CD, DVD, or Blu-ray icon but may show a blank screen or an error message when you try to access the contents of the disk. This issue may occur with pre-recorded disks and with recordable (R) or rewritable (RW) disks. Show
Use the troubleshooting instructions below if your CD, DVD, or Blu-ray drive is not able to read any disks or unable to recognize any disks. The instructions help you resolve the problem in some instances if the drive has not failed completely. The instructions below can be used for both internal and external CD, DVD or Blu-ray drives but some of the fundamentals might be a little different. The instructions below apply to the following Microsoft Windows Operating Systems, however, some instructions may slightly vary with the older version of Microsoft Windows.
Note: Linux users should refer to publicly available forums for more information about troubleshooting optical drives. CauseCause information is not available. ResolutionTroubleshooting stepsBefore you begin troubleshooting:
Click the troubleshooting steps below for more instructions. If the issue is not resolved, go to the next troubleshooting step. Table of Contents:Verify that the optical drive is recognized in Device ManagerEnsure that the optical drive is listed in Device Manager. If not, see the Dell Knowledge Base article Optical Drive is not recognized in Windows.
Set the Auto-Play settings in windows to defaultsAuto-Play feature in Microsoft Windows examines newly discovered removable media and devices and, based on content such as images, music, or video files, it helps launch an appropriate application to play or display the content. If Auto-Play is disabled, nothing may happen when a disk is inserted. Follow the steps below to set the Auto-Play settings to defaults. For Windows 11 or Windows 10:
Disable the DMA mode of the optical driveTo disable the DMA mode on the optical drive, follow these instructions:
Install the latest BIOS update on your computerDell Technologies recommends updating the BIOS as part of your scheduled update cycle. Like Operating System and driver revisions, the update contains feature enhancements or changes that help keep your system software current and compatible with other computer modules (hardware, firmware, drivers, and software) as well as providing security updates and increased stability. See the Dell Knowledge Base article How to update your System BIOS within Windows for more information. Update or reinstall the driver for the optical driveDrivers for your CD, DVD, or Blu-ray drive is included within the Operating System and hence does not require you to install a specific driver. To reinstall the driver, follow the instructions below:
Uninstall and reinstall the Dell provided playback software (DVD or Blu-ray movie playback issues)Dell computers that have an optical drive come with a factory installed DVD or Blu-ray playback software. For DVD or Blu-ray movie playback, specific playback software and codecs are required to be installed on your computer. The Dell provided applications enable your computer with necessary codecs for such playback of movie DVD or Blu-ray disks. If you are having trouble with movie playback, try to uninstall and reinstall the Dell provided playback software.
Perform a Windows System RestoreSystem Restore is an integrated Windows tool that is designed to protect and repair the operating system. When something goes wrong with your computer, System Restore should be used prior to restoring to factory condition. For more information on using System Restore, refer to article What is Microsoft Windows System Restore Restore your computer to factory defaultsFor more information on restoring your computer to the factory default state it was shipped in, refer to article Restore your Computer Using SupportAssist OS Recovery For any other issue with the CD, DVD or Blu-ray drive on your computer, see the Dell Knowledge Base article Troubleshooting CD/DVD or Blu-Ray Drive Problems in Microsoft Windows. Additional InformationRecommended ArticlesHere are some recommended articles related to this topic that might be of interest to you.
Out of warranty? No problem. Browse to the Dell.com/support website and enter your Dell Service Tag and view our offers. NOTE: Offers are only available for US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, and China personal computer customers. Server and Storage not applicable. Alienware, Inspiron, Retired Models, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series, G Series, Alienware, Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro, XPS, Retired Models, Fixed Workstations, Dell Dock WD15, Dell Rugged Desk Dock, Dell SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Docking Station , Dell Thunderbolt Dock TB15, Dell Thunderbolt Dock TB16, Dell Universal Dock D6000, Dell USB3.0 dock D3100, Dell Dock WD19, Dell Performance Dock - WD19DC, Dell Performance Dock – WD19DCS, Dell Dock – WD19S, Dell Thunderbolt Dock - WD19TB, Dell Thunderbolt Dock – WD19TBS, Dell Wireless Dock, Dell Wireless Docking Station WLD15 |