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HP PCs - CD/DVD drive cannot read discs in Windows 10

When you load a disc into the CD/DVD drive, the disc does not run or play. A dirty or scratched disc surface is the most common reason for a CD/DVD issue when inserted into a computer. If the optical drive cannot read the files stored on any CD/DVD discs, you need to troubleshoot the CD/DVD drive, rather than the discs and software. Also, you might need to reinstall the device driver to resolve any errors or enable the AutoPlay setting to automatically start discs when loaded.

Confirm whether the disc is causing the issue

A dirty or scratched disc surface is the most common reason for a CD/DVD issue when inserted into a computer. Check the disc for damage and confirm that the disc is compatible with your computer.

  • Clean the disc and check for damage: Clean any dust or smudges from the disc with filtered water and a lint free cloth. If there is significant damage to the playing surface, replace the disc.

  • Test several different disc types: Load CDs and DVDs that are known to work in other disc players. If all discs of the same type do not play, make sure that the drive supports that disc type.

  • Blu-ray or DVD movie discs do not play: Make sure the drive supports the disc type. If supported, install compatible movie playback software. Go to DVD playback options for Windows (in English) for more information.

  • Discs burned on a different computer do not play: Burn the disc again using another brand of blank disc. Use a lower (4x) burning speed, and confirm that the burning session closed upon completion.

Test the drive for a hardware failure

If the optical disc drive cannot read the files stored on any CD/DVD discs, you need to troubleshoot the CD/DVD drive, rather than the discs and software.

Over time, vibration, dust, and mechanical wear impact CD/DVD drive performance. Use the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics tool to test the drive for hardware issues.

  1. Turn off the computer.

  2. Press the power button to turn on the computer, and then immediately press the esc key repeatedly until the Startup Menu opens.

    Opening the Startup Menu

  3. Press f2 to open the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI.

  4. Click Component Tests.

    Selecting Component Tests from the main menu

  5. Click Optical Drive, and then run all the available tests. Have a working CD or DVD available to complete the tests. Each test takes 1 to 2 minutes to run.

    Selecting Optical Drive in the Component Tests menu

  6. Follow any on-screen instructions to resolve any issues found, and then test a disc in the drive.

Verify the drive status in Device Manager

If the optical drive cannot read the files stored on any CD/DVD discs, you need to confirm that the drive is listed in Device Manager.

Confirm the drive is listed in Device Manager, and then reinstall the device driver to resolve any error states.

  1. Verify that there is no disc loaded in the drive.

  2. In Windows, search for and open Device Manager.

  3. Double-click DVD/CD-ROM drives to expand the category.

    Device Manager DVD/CD-ROM drives

  4. Right-click the drive name, and then select either Uninstall device or Uninstall.

    Device Manager window, uninstall DVD/CD-ROM drive

  5. Click Uninstall or similar to confirm the uninstall.

  6. Close all open programs, and then restart the computer. Windows automatically configures the device.

  7. Test a disc in the drive.

Enable AutoPlay

Enable the AutoPlay setting to automatically start discs when loaded.

  1. In Windows, search for and open Control Panel.

  2. Click Hardware and Sound > AutoPlay.

  3. Select the Use AutoPlay for all media and devices setting.

    Autoplay window, Use AutoPlay for all media and devices

  4. Next to each DVD, Blu-ray, and CD type, click the drop-down menu, select Ask me every time, and then click Save.

    Select Ask me every time in the AutoPlay settings

  5. Test a disc in the drive.

Perform a System Restore to resolve an issue in Windows

If the issue is recent, restore the computer to a point before the problem began, to resolve the issue.

Go to HP PCs - Using Microsoft System Restore for more information.

Additional support options

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