Windows 7: CD & DVD Drives

When I insert a blank CD-r or a DVD-rw my computer the computer doesn’t find the disc drives. My computer is a Dell desk top, running windows 7 64 bit. I crashed my computer due to a virus and had to re-install Windows 7. Everything has been working fine but when I try writing (burn) files to my blank DVD-rw the computer doesn’t do anything. When I open Windows Explorer to find the disc drives neither of my disc drives show up. It is as though my computer doesn’t know that the CD or the DVD drives exists. What can I do correct this problem?



I would appreciate having any help or suggestions.

Lobo1943

First off- Dell sucks. I know because I have one. Check Dell's website for your computer model and make sure it is Windows 7 compatible (it will have drivers for windows 7 if it is- if not it will only show vista drivers). My laptop is not fully compatible but it still works with the vista drivers (with a few kinks).

Also.. did you reinstall your device drivers after the virus? Windows 7 natively has generic drivers for most devices but some may not function properly and might need their own driver. You can check Dell's website under the "driver download" area to find which one you would need. You can also check your device manager to see if it is being recognized or not.

Lobo,

First you have made an excellent choice. DELL computers enjoy an excellent reputation.

First, let us make sure that you are virus clean.

Use the procedure given here to run the Microsoft Standalone System
Sweeper over your computer. Be sure and run the FULL SCAN.

After, and only after running the System Sweeper, tell me what anti-virus software you are using.

PUT SYSTEM SWEEPER ON A USB STICK


System Sweeper, https://connect.microsoft.com/systemsweeper, allows you to start an infected PC and perform an offline scan to identify and remove viruses, rootkits and other advanced malware. System Sweeper is a free standalone, bootable malware and virus remover from Microsoft.

Safety Scanner, Microsoft Safety Scanner - Antivirus | Remove Spyware, Malware, Viruses Free, is free, downloadable, provides on-demand scanning and helps remove viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. It works with your existing antivirus software.

If the target computer has a working internet connection, then you may prefer to use the Safety Scanner.


Download System Sweeper (about 576 kB):
https://connect.microsoft.com/systemsweeper

Insert 256 MB or larger USB stick into a usb port.

Run the downloaded program--mssstool64.exe or mssstool32.exe

Choose the option to install to USB.
Caution: The install program will format the usb stick.

The install program will download about 200 mB more.

After the install is finished, leave the stick in the usb slot.

Run the program you downloaded once again.

This 2nd run, and any subsequent runs, will download the very latest anti-virus definitions (about 60 mB).

To keep System Sweeper up-to-date, simply reinsert the usb stick and run the installation program, mssstool64.exe or mssstool32.exe, again.

The initial, full scan by System Sweeper can easily take several hours, but subsequent quick scans will be shorter.

Remember, your computer is being very thoroughly checked for all types of malware.

The results of System Sweeper will be in:
\Windows\Standalone System Sweeper\Support as one or more files with a LOG extension which can be viewed with Notepad.

A lot of system cleaning software will claim to have found problems other software have not. Don't trust them unless you can verified them. The ones I've see are mostly bogus.

Look for some free 3rd-party software to burn stuff. Windows has limited basic capabilities for burning. Don't forget to install SP1 and updates.

Have you looked here?

Your CD or DVD drive can't read or write media

Did you run a Registry cleaner? Those things are dangerous and can do more damage then good. Did you edit the registry by hand? There are sometimes useless looking registry keys that shouldn't be deleted.

Sonic is one... apparently Microsoft bought something from Sonic to include in Windows and it has something to do with optical drives. I think I deleted it from the Registry thinking it didn't seem useful and third party entry, but it's not.