Question Win10 quit recognising the CD/DVD drive

[kep55]

I have an ACER TC-875-UR15 running updated win10. The other day when I tried to play a music cd WMP momentarily showed the disc and its contents and then switched to showing the library. I tried all the recommendation mictosoft's support sites show but the CD/DVD optical drive is now gone. It doesn't show under explorer nor under settings>system components. Control panel > Devices and Printers shows a yellow triangle next to the ACER icon. Troubleshoot shows Slimtype DVD A DA8AESH is disabled. Clicking on that returns Troubleshooting couldn't identify the problem.
What now?

 

[COLGeek]

Sounds like a defective drive. They can and do fail, especially over time. Replacement is likely the only solution.

 

[jack543]

Hello,

It sounds like your optical drive is disabled or has an underlying issue. Here's a step-by-step guide to resolve the issue:

1. Enable the Device in Device Manager
Open Device Manager:
Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
Look for DVD/CD-ROM drives.
If it is listed with a down arrow or yellow exclamation mark:
Right-click the device and select Enable or Update Driver.
If it is not listed, proceed to step 2.
2. Scan for Hardware Changes
In Device Manager, click the Action menu at the top and select Scan for hardware changes.
Check if the drive reappears. If not, proceed to step 3.
3. Reinstall the DVD/CD-ROM Driver
In Device Manager, expand DVD/CD-ROM drives (if visible).
Right-click your optical drive (e.g., Slimtype DVD A DA8AESH) and select Uninstall device.
Restart your PC. Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically.
4. Fix Registry Corruption
Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
Navigate to:
sql
Copy code
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\atapi\Controller0
If a Controller0 key does not exist:
Right-click on atapi, select New > Key, and name it Controller0.
Right-click Controller0, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it EnumDevice1.
Set the value of EnumDevice1 to 1:
Double-click it, type 1, and press OK.
Restart your computer.

5. Check BIOS/UEFI Settings
Restart your PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (commonly done by pressing Del, F2, or F12 during boot).
Look for your optical drive in the boot options or peripherals section.
Ensure the drive is enabled.
Save changes and exit the BIOS.
6. Test with Another Bootable Disc
Insert a bootable CD/DVD (e.g., a Windows installation disc) and restart your PC.
If the disc is recognized in the BIOS/UEFI but not in Windows, the issue is software-related. If not, it may indicate a hardware failure.
7. Update or Reinstall Chipset Drivers
Go to Acer's support page for the Acer TC-875-UR15.
Download and install the latest chipset drivers.
Restart your computer.
8. Inspect the Hardware
If none of the above steps work:
Shut down your PC and physically inspect the drive.
Ensure the cables (power and data) connected to the optical drive are secure.
If possible, test the drive in another computer to rule out hardware failure.
9. Consider Replacing the Drive
If the drive is not recognized after these steps, it might be faulty. Replace it with a new optical drive.

 

[dwd999]

As a last resort I always think outside the Windows box. I have downloaded a Linux distro, Mint Cinnamon and mounted it on a usb stick using the Rufus.ie software. I then boot the usb and after Mint loads I check to see if the problem persists under Linux. If the hardware works under Linux then I know its time to reinstall Windows.