DVD drive missing in File Explorer


  1. gsinkinson
    Posts : 3
    Windows 10 Home (x64) Version 1903 (build 18362.592)
       New #1

    DVD drive missing in File Explorer


    Running Windows 10 version 21H1 on Lenovo Ideacentre A530.
    DVD drive is missing in left side of File Explorer - does NOT show up after Local Disk (C:),
    but does show a DVD RW Drive (D:) tile on the right side.

    Device Manager shows HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GT80N and "This device is working properly."

    Right click on tile shows options - Eject works but properties shows 0 bytes used and free.

    Have uninstalled HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GT80N and IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers and rebooted.

    Entries re-appear after reboot, but no joy ...

    Any suggestions ?
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  3. LesFerch
    Posts : 745
    Windows 10/11
       New #2

    Have you tried selecting Show all folders under Navigation pane as described here: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...d-ebe864c8a82a
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  4. gsinkinson
    Posts : 3
    Windows 10 Home (x64) Version 1903 (build 18362.592)
    Thread Starter
       New #3

    In File Explorer, under View, Navigation Pane shows both Navigation pane and Show all folders checked.

    With music disk in drive, double clicking the DVD RW Drive (D:) ejects disk and prompts to Insert a disk.

    Tried several of the fixes in FixWin 10.2.2 - DVD drive icon now shows in left column under This PC,
    but double clicking there has same effect as clicking on tile - ejects disk and prompts to Insert a disk.

    - - - Updated - - -

    I have run SFC, DISM, and CHKDSK, all with no problems or corruptions.
    Even tried running %systemroot%\system32\msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic,
    but it couldn't find a problem

    - - - Updated - - -

    This all seemed to happen after I burned and verified a Windows10v21h1 ISO file to a DVD.
    Got a message that DVD was burned successfully.

    The next time I opened File Explorer is when I noticed the problem.

    How do I tell if it might really be the hardware? All the checks seemed to indicate that the drive is fine and working properly, by the problem persists. Is it possible that the optical drive has somehow crapped out but still reports it's operating properly?

    I even tried troubleshooting Windows Media Player Library and got a "Media library is corrupted" message.
    The trouble shooter did make some changes. When I launched Media Player, the library was rebuilt and played ok.
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  6. bobkn
    Posts : 4,453
    Win 11 Pro 22000.708
       New #4

    gsinkinson said:
    (snip)

    How do I tell if it might really be the hardware? All the checks seemed to indicate that the drive is fine and working properly, by the problem persists. Is it possible that the optical drive has somehow crapped out but still reports it's operating properly?

    (snip)
    It's possible. If the drive's laser has died, the drive would appear as working, usually.

    One possible way to check: try a CD. CDs and DVDs are read and written using different lasers. I wouldn't expect both lasers to die simultaneously.
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  7. Try3
    Posts : 16,932
    Windows 10 Home x64 Version 22H2 Build 19045.4170
       New #5

    I think it could be the laser's lens. That would be entirely consistent with the results you have posted.

    You could try cleaning it. I managed to keep some alive a bit longer by doing so but they eventually failed completely.
    - I cleaned using a spectacles cloth and I also tried with some leftover tape-head cleaner [alcohol propy------something]. The cleaning fluid was a bit more effective but there wasn't much in it.

    I switched to using USB-connected drives soon after that and no longer use optical drives
    - I bought an external DVD drive to read & copy old installation disks. It lives in a drawer in a bag with a packet of desiccant.


    All the best,
    Denis
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  8. Megahertz
    Posts : 6,300
    Windows 11 Pro - Windows 7 HP - Lubuntu
       New #6

    It seems it has failed.
    SATA CD / DVD Burners | Newegg.com
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  9. Try3
    Posts : 16,932
    Windows 10 Home x64 Version 22H2 Build 19045.4170
       New #7

    Or USB 2.0 CD / DVD Burners | Newegg.com

    Denis
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  10. gsinkinson
    Posts : 3
    Windows 10 Home (x64) Version 1903 (build 18362.592)
    Thread Starter
       New #8

    Neither CD or DVD work.
    Whenever I click on the drive icon in Windows Explorer, it ejects the disk.

    Cleaned lens on drive - still no joy.

    However unlikely that both CD and DVD died simultaneously,
    I guess I have to accept that the drive is toast.

    Have ordered a replacement part.

    Will have to steal wife's external CD/DVD drive, which works, until new one arrives.

    Thanks everybody.
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