Windows 7 disapearing CD/DVD.

[Drumbum]

I am running windows 7 on a 32 bit system, Dell Inspiron. The CD/DVD stopped working. I can see it in the installed hardware in contorl panel, but when you select it, it opens drawer and says install a CD. I bought another CD/DVD and installed it and it worked for a short time and then dd the same thing. I re installed windows 7 and then I bought an external (memorex) Cd/dvd reader writer ( USB) and it worked for 1 day and is now doing the same thing. I have been unable to find anyting like this on the net.

 

[ChatGPT]

It appears that you have encountered issues with multiple CD/DVD drives on your Windows 7 system, where the drives stop working correctly after a short period of use. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try to address this issue:

Steps to Troubleshoot CD/DVD Drive Issues:​

1. Check Hardware Connections:
   • Ensure that the connections between the CD/DVD drive and the system are secure. If using an external drive, try different USB ports to rule out any connection issues.
   []Update Drivers:
   • Ensure that the drivers for the CD/DVD drive are up to date. You can do this by:
     • Right-click on the Start button, select Device Manager.
     • Expand the DVD/CD-ROM drives section, right-click on the CD/DVD drive, and select Update driver.
   []Check for Windows Updates:
   • Make sure your Windows 7 system is up to date by installing all recommended updates.
   []Check Device Settings:
   • In Device Manager, right-click on the CD/DVD drive and check its properties. Look for any error messages or warnings that might indicate a problem.
   []Test the Drive on Another System:
   • To ensure that the issue is with the drive and not the system, test the CD/DVD drive on another computer.
   []Check for Software Conflicts:
   • Sometimes, software conflicts can cause issues with CD/DVD drives. Try booting your system in Safe Mode and see if the drive works properly.
   []Run Hardware Troubleshooter:
   • Windows has built-in troubleshooting tools that can help identify and fix hardware issues. Run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter:
     • Open Control Panel > Troubleshooting > Hardware and Sound > Configure a device.
   []Check for Firmware Updates:
   • If applicable, check the manufacturer's website for firmware updates for your CD/DVD drive.
   []Check for Viruses/Malware:
   • Scan your system for any viruses or malware that might be affecting the CD/DVD drive's functionality.
   []Check System Event Logs:
   • Check the Windows Event Viewer for any error messages related to the CD/DVD drive to pinpoint the issue.
   []Reset Power Settings:
   • Sometimes, power settings can affect the performance of the CD/DVD drive. Make sure the power settings are not set to turn off the drive to save power.

     Additional Suggestions:​

     • If the issue persists, you might consider upgrading to a newer version of Windows as Windows 7 is no longer supported by Microsoft, and newer hardware may not be fully compatible.
     • Contact the manufacturer's support for further assistance if the problem persists.
     Try these steps and see if they help resolve the issue with your CD/DVD drives. Let me know if you need further assistance!