Why does not the drive read discs? The main reasons and solutions to this problem

Over time, the drive of a computer or laptop simply refuses to read discs. Sometimes this applies only to individual disks or media types (for example, the drive reads all disks except DVD-R or CD-RW), and sometimes absolutely all disks remain unreadable - the drive simply does not want to work with them. The reasons for such a "strike" drive can be several. The most common problems are described below, why the drive does not read discs, and solutions to these problems are provided .

To begin with, you need to determine whether the disk drive has stopped any particular disk or does not read everything that you offer it. If he persistently refuses to read only one disc of all the proposed ones, check it for scratches, scuffs and other mechanical damage - perhaps the reason lies in the disk itself, and not the disk drive.

If the drive has faithfully served you for several years and only after that has ceased to work correctly, it may just be necessary to clean the optical lens, which is responsible for reading information from the media. In order to clean it, you can use a cleaning disk, but it is advisable to contact a specialist who will not only clean the lens by disassembling the drive, but also remove it from dust and other contaminants that get inside the device during its operation.

However, sometimes it happens that a new or almost new disk drive refuses to work. Why does not the drive read discs in this case? Problems with the drive may occur for a number of reasons. First, you need to check whether the ribbon connecting the drive to the motherboard is damaged. If it is damaged, this loop can be the main cause of the problem. If no visible damage is detected, you can still try to connect the drive to the motherboard using another loop.

If the drive generally refuses to respond to user commands, you can try to remove the device from the system and reinstall it. To do this, go to the "System Properties", select the "Hardware" item and, after finding the necessary device, delete it. After that, you must restart your computer in order for the system to determine the drive again and install all necessary drivers on it. Most often, after this manipulation, the drive starts working. But there are other answers to the question, why the drive does not read discs.

Sometimes the reason for the failure to function normally for the drive is the appearance in the system of so-called virtual drives using programs that help the system to read the images of disks saved on the computer. If the disk drive stopped working after one of these programs was installed (for example, Virtual CD or Alcohol 120%), you can try to completely remove it and see if it will work after that.

Sometimes the search for an answer to the question of why the drive does not read discs can lead to a sad result - it turns out that the drive board just burnt. Therefore, even before buying this device, it is desirable to understand for yourself which drive is best from all offered on the market. To do this, you can consult with experts or read specialized forums on the Internet.

In some cases, to continue the operation of an unreadable disk drive, it is enough to reflash it. A detailed description of this procedure, as well as the firmware itself, can also be found on the Internet. The main thing to remember is that after an unsuccessful firmware, the drive can simply be discarded, so you should approach this process with all seriousness.

These are just the main points why the drive does not read discs. If your problem does not fit into any of the above items, it's best to ask for help from a specialist.