Turn off PC/laptop.
Disconnect CD/DVD drive*, turn PC/laptop on, allow to boot fully, then turn off again.
Re-connect CD/DVD drive and turn on.
Windows will re-build the drivers or start the 'Found new hardware wizard'.
If that doesn't work, log on as an Administrator....
***Always back up the registry before making changes (make a Restore Point)***
Vista/Windows 7
Click Start, and then click All Programs.
Click Accessories, and then click Run.
Type regedit, and then click OK. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Allow.
In the navigation pane, locate and then click the following registry subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM
\CurrentControlSet
\Control\Class\
{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}
Ensure that the right pane has CD/DVD Drive in it.
In the right pane, click UpperFilters.
You may also see an UpperFilters.bak registry entry. You do not have to remove that entry. Click UpperFilters only. If you do not see the UpperFilters registry entry, you still might have to remove the LowerFilters registry entry. To do this, see 'Note'.
On the Edit menu, click Delete.
When you are prompted to confirm the deletion, click Yes.
'Note'
In the right pane, click LowerFilters.
On the Edit menu, click Delete.
When you are prompted to confirm the deletion, click Yes.
Exit Registry Editor.
Restart the computer.
If you do not see the LowerFilters registry entry, this can't help you any further.
XP
Click Start, and then click Run.
In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
In the navigation pane, locate and then click the following registry subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM
\CurrentControlSet
\Control\Class\
{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}
Ensure the right pane has CD/DVD Drive in it.
In the right pane, click UpperFilters.
You may also see an UpperFilters.bak registry entry. You do not have to remove that entry. Click UpperFilters only. If you do not see the UpperFilters registry entry, you still might have to remove the LowerFilters registry entry. To do this, see 'Note'.
On the Edit menu, click Delete.
When you are prompted to confirm the deletion, click Yes.
'Note'
In the right pane, click LowerFilters.
On the Edit menu, click Delete.
When you are prompted to confirm the deletion, click Yes.
Exit Registry Editor.
Restart the computer.
If you do not see the LowerFilters registry entry, this can't help you any further.
*Most laptops will have either a sliding switch or 1-2 screws holding the drive in. Sliding the switch or removing these screw/s will enable the drive to be pulled from the machine.