After getting DVD recognized, hdd gone

[PegasusOrgans]

Yes, as odd as it sounds, I got my DVD working through manipulating the registry (using an online guide) the computer decided to stop recognizing the second (non SSD) HDD. Now, before fixing the DVD issue, this was not an issue. Somehow adding one line to atapi in the registry (or something else?) killed my HDD being recognized. This is all in Windows 8.1 BTW.

Secondary issue, on my main system, my second SSD (have two identical, one being the O/S install disk) only sometimes is recognized when the system boots up. Often, it doesn't recognize it at all, but it does recognize every other drive. This despite changing the SATA cord and SATA port. WTF?! Also, Windows 8.1.

 

[TomTom111]

I don't see why you would need to edit the registry to get windows 8 to recognize the CD/DVD drive.
Most of them don't even require drivers anymore. as Windows is shipped with them now.
It could be the HDD was compatible with UEFI and you changed it to ACHI via the registry.

I would recommend undoing whatever you did in the registry, and use the device manager to add new hardware.

 

[PegasusOrgans]

Reading between the lines, you are outright insulting me. I hope others have slightly better manners
on the site. I've had a computer since the late 80's ("So why is this so hard to figure out?!" Right?) so any of the
easy and simple fixes I tried right away. Upon googling it (which you are free to do) you'll see it is, in fact,
a common problem. But thanks for your vote of confidence.