How to Resolve Issues with Non-Functional DVD Drives in Windows 10? [2024 Guide]

You're not alone in this; I too encountered the same issue with my DVD drive on my Windows computer—it ceased functioning! However, the distinction lies in the fact that I am aware of how to resolve the problem, whereas if you're reading this, I assume you're unsure about how to address it with your Windows 10 PC's DVD drive.

That's why I decided to share the solutions I've discovered for fixing non-working DVD drives on Windows 10 computers. Even if you're using Windows 11, 8, or an older version, you can still try the methods mentioned below.

Continue reading for all the details!

Before We Start

It can be quite challenging to identify the exact cause of DVD drives malfunctioning on Windows 10, but there are several definitive reasons that may contribute to this issue:

1. Outdated/damaged drivers
2. Cables not properly connected
3. DVD damaged
4. Bugs in the operating system

Therefore, before proceeding with fixing Windows 10 DVD drives, it is advisable to create a backup of your PC. If your computer encounters issues during the process of fixing the DVD drive or if you install something incorrectly, you risk losing your files. By backing up your data, you ensure that your files remain safe and secure.

Todo Backup is an excellent backup and recovery software that has been trusted by millions for the past 13 years. With Todo Backup tools, you can accomplish partition backup, disk backup, boot partition backup, and much more.

If your system crashes and you need to restore it promptly, you can accomplish this using tools like Todo Backup, and you won't have to wait long due to its speed and efficiency.

Now, after backing up your computer, follow the steps below to resolve non-functional Windows 10 DVD drives.

How to Resolve Issues with DVD Drives Not Working in Windows 10

We're aware of the 6 most effective methods to attempt when a Windows 10 DVD drive isn't functioning; follow these steps to resolve the problem.

1. Method 1: Update your Windows to the latest version
2. Method 2: Reinstall or update the driver in Device Manager
3. Method 3: Fix corrupted registry entries
4. Method 4: Create a registry subkey
5. Method 5: Remove IDE/ATAPI drivers
6. Method 6: Check Your BIOS/UEFI Settings and Update Chipset Firmware

Method 1: Update your Windows to the latest version

If there are issues with the operating system, the DVD drive on your Windows 10 computer might cease functioning. To rectify this, ensure that you update your Windows with the latest updates, as this will eliminate bugs and resolve any problems causing your DVD drive to malfunction, thereby enabling it to start working again.

Method 2: Reinstall or Update the Driver in Device Manager

Another effective method to fix non-functional DVD drives is to reinstall or update the DVD drive drivers. Here's how to proceed: 1. **Uninstall the Current Driver:** - Press `Windows + X` on your keyboard and select "Device Manager" from the menu. - In Device Manager, expand the "DVD/CD-ROM Drives" category by clicking on the arrow next to it. - Right-click on your DVD drive and choose "Uninstall device." 2. **Confirm Uninstallation:** - A confirmation prompt may appear; click "Uninstall" to proceed. - Restart your computer after the uninstallation is complete. 3. **Automatically Update the Driver:** - After restarting, Windows will attempt to automatically reinstall the driver during the startup process. - If it doesn't, go back to Device Manager, and under "DVD/CD-ROM Drives," you'll see a notification icon on your DVD drive, indicating that a driver is missing. - Right-click on it and select "Update driver." - Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software" and let Windows search for and install the latest driver. 4. **Manually Update the Driver:** - If the automatic update fails, you can download the latest driver directly from the manufacturer's website (usually found in the Support or Downloads section). - Download the appropriate driver for your system, then follow the installation instructions provided. 5. **Reboot Your Computer:** - Once the new driver is installed, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect. After following these steps, your DVD drive should be working correctly again. If not, there might be hardware issues that require further troubleshooting or professional assistance.

Step 1. Click on the "Start" button and search for and open "Device Manager."

Step 2. Expand "DVD/CD-ROM."

Step 3. Select the driver for your DVD and right-click on it.

Step 4. Select "Uninstall."

Step 5. Restart your computer.

Step 6. Log in to your account; Windows will now detect the latest drivers and automatically reinstall them.

现在，DVD驱动器应该可以正常工作了。

Method 3: Repair Corrupted Registry Entries

Corrupted registry entries can also cause the DVD drive to malfunction. To resolve the issue, you need to repair the corrupted drivers.

Step 1. Press the "Windows+R" keys.

Step 2. Type "regedit" in the "Run" dialog box and click on "OK."

Open the Registry Editor by using the Run dialog box:

Step 3. Copy and paste the location HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318} into the navigation pane.

Step 4. On the right window, select "UpperFilters" and "LowerFilters" and delete them.

Step 5. Restart your PC after deleting the files.

If you didn’t find UpperFilters and LowerFilters, proceed to the next solution.

Method 4: Create a Registry Subkey

Here's what you need to do if you didn't find "UpperFilters" and "LowerFilters："

< strong >Step 1. Copy and paste this location HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\atapi into the Registry Editor's navigation pane.

Step 2. Select the "Aatapi" folder, right-click on it, and choose "New," then "Key."

Step 3. Name the folder "Controller0."

Step 4. Right-click on the right window and then select "New," followed by "DWORD (32-bit) Value."

Create a new DWORD file

Step 5. Name it "EnumDevice1."

Step 6. Right-click on "EnumDevice1" and choose "Modify."

Step 7. In the Value data field, type "1" and click on "OK."

Step 8. Restart your PC.

Method 5: Remove IDE/ATAPI Drivers

Disabling IDE/ATAPI has been known to resolve issues with non-functional DVD drives on Windows 10 computers. Here's how to proceed with removing IDE/ATAPI: 1. Press the "Windows key + X" on your keyboard to open the Quick Access menu, then choose "Device Manager." 2. In the Device Manager window, expand the "IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers" category by clicking on the arrow next to it. 3. You should see one or more entries listed under this category, such as "Primary IDE Channel" and "Secondary IDE Channel." Right-click on each of them and select "Disable device" from the context menu. 4. A confirmation dialog may appear asking if you're sure you want to disable the device. Click "Yes" to proceed. 5. After disabling all IDE/ATAPI controllers, restart your computer for the changes to take effect. 6. Upon restarting, Windows will automatically reinstall the necessary drivers for these controllers, which might resolve the DVD drive issue. Please note that disabling IDE/ATAPI could potentially affect other hardware connected via IDE, so ensure you have backups or know the implications before making this change. If the issue persists after trying this method, there might be other underlying problems that require further troubleshooting.

Step 1. Open "Device Manager."

Step 2. Click on the "View" option and select "Show hidden devices."

Step 3. Expand IDE/ATAPI Controllers, and then right-click and select "Uninstall" for "ATA Channel 0," "ATA Channel 1," and "Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller."

Step 4. Restart your PC for the changes to take effect.

Method 6: Check Your BIOS/UEFI Settings and Update Chipset Firmware

Another reason the DVD drive might not be functioning could be due to a misconfigured BIOS/UEFI settings or outdated chipset firmware. It is recommended to reset your BIOS/UEFI and update the chipset firmware.

Conclusion

You're not alone in encountering this issue. DVD drive problems are quite common in Windows 10 as well as other Windows versions. By implementing the solutions provided above, you should be able to resolve this problem promptly.

If the DVD drive isn't functioning on your Windows 10 computer, attempt the aforementioned solutions to rectify the issue.

Frequently Asked Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding how to fix non-functional DVD drives in Windows 10: 1. **Q: Why isn't my DVD drive working on Windows 10?** **A:** There could be various reasons, such as outdated drivers, software conflicts, or a disabled drive in the BIOS settings. Try updating drivers, checking for conflicts, and ensuring the drive is enabled. 2. **Q: How do I update the DVD drive driver in Windows 10?** **A:** You can update the driver manually by going to the manufacturer's website and downloading the latest version, or automatically through Device Manager by right-clicking the drive, selecting "Update driver," and choosing "Search automatically for updated driver software." 3. **Q: What if the problem persists after updating the driver?** **A:** If updating the driver doesn't help, try uninstalling and reinstalling the driver, or perform a system restore to a point before the issue occurred. 4. **Q: Can a software conflict cause the DVD drive not to work?** **A:** Yes, certain software applications or antivirus programs may interfere with the drive's operation. Temporarily disable them and test the drive again. 5. **Q: How do I check for and resolve BIOS issues?** **A:** Enter your computer's BIOS settings (usually by pressing F2, F10, or Del during startup) and ensure the DVD drive is recognized and set as the first boot device. Save changes and restart. 6. **Q: What should I do if the DVD drive is not showing up in File Explorer?** **A:** Check if the drive is listed in Device Manager. If it is, try assigning a new letter or removing and re-adding the drive. If not, you might need to troubleshoot hardware connectivity. 7. **Q: Are there any Windows built-in troubleshooting tools that can help?** **A:** Yes, use the "Hardware and Devices" troubleshooter available in the Settings app under "Update & Security" > "Troubleshoot." Follow the on-screen instructions. 8. **Q: Should I consider a professional repair or replacement?** **A:** If none of the above solutions work, the DVD drive might have a hardware failure. In this case, you may want to consult a professional or consider replacing the drive. Remember, always back up important data before making significant changes to your system.

1. What is the best DVD drive for Windows 10?

Here are the top three DVD drivers for Windows 10:

• ASUS DRW-24B1ST
• LG WH16NS40
• Plextor PX-891SAF

2. Does Windows 10 come with a built-in DVD player?

某些Windows电脑配备了内置的DVD播放器，而其他电脑则没有，这取决于制造商或型号。如果你的电脑没有DVD播放器，你可以安装一个，或者使用外置的DVD播放器。

3. How do I copy a CD to my computer without a CD drive? If you don't have a CD drive on your computer, you can still copy the contents of a CD using an external CD/DVD drive or by utilizing cloud-based solutions. Here are two methods to achieve this: 1. **Using an External CD/DVD Drive:** - Purchase an external USB CD/DVD drive. These are readily available online or at electronic stores. - Connect the external drive to your computer's USB port. - Insert the CD you want to copy into the external drive. - Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac). - Navigate to the CD drive, usually labeled as "CD Drive" or "DVD Drive." - Select the files and folders you want to copy, or choose to copy the entire disc. - Drag the selected items to a location on your computer, such as your desktop or a specific folder. 2. **Using a Cloud-Based Service:** - Sign up for a cloud storage service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive, if you haven't already. - Install the respective app on your computer. - Take your CD to another device with a CD drive, like a friend's computer or a public computer. - Copy the CD's content to the cloud storage service on that device. - Sign in to the same cloud storage account on your computer without a CD drive. - Download the files from the cloud to your computer. Remember that copying copyrighted material may be illegal, so make sure you have the appropriate permissions before proceeding.

If your computer lacks a CD drive, you can acquire an external one and connect it to your computer using a USB cable. Once connected, insert the CD into the external drive and proceed to copy all the contents of the CD onto your computer.