My drive combo DVD/CD-RW just works sometimes

Similar Questions

• Carpet * Combo DVD player does not work on Satellite M30X

  I have a Satellite M30X with a combo DVD player.
  My drive I ve formatted, then I installed the readers on the recovery cd and one existing on the toshiba web site and the reader to continue to not be able to write on DVD´s.

  The installed drive is: mast * a DVD-ram UJ - 831 s.

  I used to be able to write all kinds of DVD.

  Do you have any suggestions?

  Thank you

  Armando

  Hello

  > I then installed readers on the recovery cd and one existing on the toshiba web site
  Do you mean the DVD-RAM driver?

  As far as I know using DVD-RAM disks in the DVD MULTI drive, data can be written so that the function to write data on discs CD-R/RW standard Windows XP is enabled.

  Then please check if the check CD option activate called this roll
  CD / DVD-> properties-> recording tab
  is enabled or disabled

  By the way; After using the recovery CD, you don't need to install additional drivers. The restore CD contains all the necessary drivers including an important run Notepad correctly.

• Drive HP DVD-RAM SATA GH60L, works Ok in PC Win7, can not read a CD - R under Windows XP

  PC is a HP Pavilion, p6554uk, XC787EA #ABU.

  Operating system is Windows7 64 bit.

  I tried to access an archive of photos, written to a CD - R on my previous PC, running Windows XP, but long separated with.

  No error message is given.

  Explorer displays the 3 files in the root of the CD-ROM drive, but as I dig the records are all empty.

  I know that the files exist - mainly *.jpg, because using a Mac, I can see them.

  Any suggestions?

  Sprucie,

  As you can read windows to your MAC CD format:

  (1) prepare a Windows to format USB key (you have only 1 GB drive).

  (2) Insert the USB key into the MAC and copy the files on thumb drive Windows format.

• Combo DVD/CD drive does not appear in Windows Explorer or the Device Manager

  The combo DVD/CD on my laptop drive isn't in Device Manager or Windows Explorer.  The door is not ejected.  You must use a paperclip, poking into the hole to open it.  I also re - it sitting, but it changed nothing.  We had this laptop for 1.5 years and the disk worked great until yesterday when trying to install Starcraft II.  Installation failed and it has messed up also the DVD/CD drive.

  We read some other difficulty advice and tried the upper and lower filters in the registry, but there was no entires of upper and lower filters in the key.

  The specifications of the laptop are:

  HP Pavilion dv7

  Processor Dual-Core Mobile RM-72 2.10 GHz AMD Turion X 2

  4 GB OF RAM

  64-bit Windows Vista

  Hello

  Check with HP Support, their online documentation and drivers, and their known forums
  questions.

  Support HP & drivers
  http://welcome.HP.com/country/us/en/support.html

  Contact HP
  http://welcome.HP.com/country/us/en/contact_us.html

  HP forums
  http://h30434.www3.HP.com/PSG/

  Step 1: Please do all the same underneath if you did some before as is often total
  a process that solves the problem.

  Try this - Panel - Device Manager - CD/DVD - double click on the device - driver tab.
  Click on update drivers (this will probably do nothing) - RIGHT click ON the drive - uninstall.
  RESTART this will refresh the default driver stack. Even if the reader does not appear to continue
  below.
  
  Then, work your way through these - don't forget the drive might be bad, could be a coward
  cable or slight corrosion on the contacts (usually for a laptop) and other issues.

  Your CD or DVD drive is missing or is not recognized by Windows or other programs
  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314060 - a Mr Fixit

  Try this fix manually if the Fixit 314060 does not work
  http://www.pchell.com/hardware/cd_drive_error_code_39.shtml

  Your CD or DVD drive is missing or is not recognized by Windows or other programs-
  a Mr Fixit
  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/982116

  The CD drive or the DVD drive does not work as expected on a computer that you upgraded to
  for Windows Vista
  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/929461

  When you insert a CD or a DVD, Windows Vista may not recognize the disc
  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/939052

  Your CD or DVD drive cannot read or write media - A Mr Fixit
  http://support.Microsoft.com/GP/cd_dvd_drive_problems

  CD/DVD drive does not appear in Windows Vista, or you receive this error in Windows
  Vista installation after booting from the DVD (AHCI)
  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/952951
  Drive CD - R or CD - RW Drive is not recognized as a recordable device
  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/316529/

  Hardware devices not detected or not working - A Mr Fixit
  http://support.Microsoft.com/GP/hardware_device_problems

  Another possibility is that the cables are loose. Remove ALL power, then make sure that the cables in both
  ends. Remove and replace, do not just tight. For laptops, you can often clean power and
  contacts data with a pencil eraser.

  Some DVD players do not use the Windows default drivers so check with the manufacturer of system and
  manufacturer of device to see if there is a firmware or drivers for your drive if necessary.

  ===============================

  Step 2: You have disc problems as the CD/DVD is actually 4 discs in 1 case (CD & DVD
  Burn and CD and DVD read). So it is not unusual for 1 or 2 operational so that other parts
  do it right.

  Did you follow the Troubleshooting Guide for the reader who still does not work? There are
  the entries in registry that the troubleshooter does not solve and those who "might" be the cause.

  Check with your Maker system and a device for the two possible firmware updates and
  the correct registry entries for your car.

  Here are the keys that I of course are those in question - for the subkeys of the CD/DVD drive
  as there will be other subkeys in these keys. Do not forget to ask specific keys involved as well as
  the parameters.

  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\IDE

  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Hardware Profiles\0001\System\CurrentControlSet\Enum\IDE

  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\ {4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

  You can probably find more info here and maybe even the exact registry for your CD/DVD settings
  drive from someone with the same model.

  Forums - a lot of expert real help
  http://Club.myce.com/

  CD/DVD units
  http://www.myce.com/storage/

  Use DevManView to locate the CD/DVD in the registry (be careful and do a prior Restore Point)
  nothing change) - find the DevManView device and then make a right click on it free in RegEdit.

  DevManView - free - an alternative to the standard Windows Device Manager, which displays all the
  devices and their properties in flat table, instead of the tree viewer
  http://www.NirSoft.NET/utils/device_manager_view.html

  I hope this helps.

  Rob Brown - MS MVP - Windows Desktop Experience: Bike - Mark Twain said it right.

• Satellite P10-304 combo DVD drive replacement

  I need to know what combo dvd/cd-rw are compatible with my p10-304. It came with a sd-r2412, but it does not read DVDs more. I'm trying to get a replacement, but I must be sure that it will fit and work. can someone give me a hand? Thank you

  [Edited by: admin January 22 06 09:03]

  Hello

  You can find compatible readers on this site
  http://EU.computers.Toshiba-Europe.com/cgi-bin/ToshibaCSG/options_and_accessories_search.jsp?z=16&service=EU & selOptionCategory = 4699

  for example the modular Bay DVD-R/RW Drive (PA3295E-1DV2)

  Good bye

• My drive E:\ DVD - RW not working do not.

  Ran troubleshooting on the computer and it said "Disk in drive [E:] is not detected or is not supported" I did with several DVDs and the same thing.  Before that, I did the system recovery.  Other that consider best buy to fix ideas.  Bought 10/17/2011

  Hello

  Leeks and glances at a Best Buy or any Big Box store, it would not be my choice for
  a maintenance agent unless bought there and it was totally under warranty. Check with
  The possible alternatives to center of serice system manufacturer's support.

  ==========================================================

  Follow these steps to remove corruption and missing/damaged file system repair or replacement.

  Start - type in the search box - find command top - RIGHT CLICK – RUN AS ADMIN

  sfc/scannow

  How to fix the system files of Windows 7 with the System File Checker
  http://www.SevenForums.com/tutorials/1538-SFC-SCANNOW-Command-System-File-Checker.html

  Then run checkdisk (chkdsk).

  How to run check disk in Windows 7
  http://www.SevenForums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html

  ==========================================================

  After the foregoing:

  References to Vista also apply to Windows 7.

  Step 1: Please do all the same underneath if you did some before as is often total
  a process that solves the problem.

  Try this - Panel - Device Manager - CD/DVD - double click on the device - driver tab.
  Click on update drivers (this will probably do nothing) - RIGHT click ON the drive - uninstall.
  RESTART this will refresh the default driver stack. Even if the reader does not appear to continue
  below.
  
  Then, work your way through these - don't forget the drive might be bad, could be a coward
  cable or slight corrosion on the contacts (usually for a laptop) and other issues.

  Your CD or DVD drive is missing or is not recognized by Windows or other programs
  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314060 - a Mr Fixit

  Try this fix manually if the Fixit 314060 does not work
  http://www.pchell.com/hardware/cd_drive_error_code_39.shtml

  Your CD or DVD drive is missing or is not recognized by Windows or other programs-
  a Mr Fixit
  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/982116

  The DVD player does not work after installing Windows 7
  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/975270/

  The CD drive or the DVD drive does not work as expected on a computer that you upgraded to
  Windows Vista
  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/929461

  When you insert a CD or a DVD, Windows Vista may not recognize the disc
  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/939052

  Your CD or DVD drive cannot read or write media - A Mr Fixit
  http://support.Microsoft.com/GP/cd_dvd_drive_problems

  CD/DVD drive does not appear in Windows Vista, or you receive this error during Windows Vista
  Setup after booting from the DVD (AHCI)
  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/952951
  Drive CD - R or CD - RW Drive is not recognized as a recordable device
  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/316529/

  Hardware devices not detected or not working - A Mr Fixit
  http://support.Microsoft.com/GP/hardware_device_problems

  Another possibility is that the cables are loose. Remove ALL power, then make sure that the cables in both
  ends. Remove and replace, do not just tight. For laptops, you can often clean power and
  contacts data with a pencil eraser.

  Some DVD players do not use the Windows default drivers so check with the manufacturer of system and
  manufacturer of device to see if there is a firmware or drivers for your drive if necessary.

  ===============================

  Step 2: You have disc problems as the CD/DVD is actually 4 discs in 1 case (CD & DVD
  Burn and CD and DVD read). So it is not unusual for 1 or 2 operational so that other parts
  do it right.

  Did you follow the Troubleshooting Guide for the reader who still does not work? There are
  the entries in registry that the troubleshooter does not solve and those who "might" be the cause.

  Check with your Maker system and a device for the two possible firmware updates and the
  correct registry entries for your car.

  Here are the keys that I of course are those in question - for the subkeys of the CD/DVD drive
  as there will be other subkeys in these keys. Do not forget to ask specific keys involved as well as
  the parameters.

  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\IDE

  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Hardware Profiles\0001\System\CurrentControlSet\Enum\IDE

  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\ {4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

  You can probably find more info here and maybe even the exact registry settings for your
  CD/DVD drive someone with the same model.

  Forums - a lot of expert real help
  http://Club.myce.com/

  CD/DVD units
  http://www.myce.com/storage/

  Use DevManView to locate the CD/DVD in the registry (be careful and do a prior Restore Point)
  nothing change) - find the DevManView device and then make a right click on it free in RegEdit.

  DevManView - free - an alternative to the standard Windows Device Manager, which displays
  all devices and their properties in flat table, instead of the tree viewer
  http://www.NirSoft.NET/utils/device_manager_view.html

  I hope this helps.

  Rob Brown - Microsoft MVP<- profile="" -="" windows="" expert="" -="" consumer="" :="" bicycle="" -="" mark="" twain="" said="" it="">

• Drive CD/DVD of Windows 8 is not showing / work

  I recently bought a laptop Asus N Series N76VJ-DH71. One of the features that attracted me to this product was built into the CD/DVD drive that reads Blu - Ray discs. I looked at a few bluray and not blu ray movies and installed a computer since the purchase of this computer game. Tonight I went to my local and took film rental shop a few dvd s up. Since I don't currently own a dvd player or xbox work, the only way I watch my movies is through my laptop via HDMI on my flat screen. When I arrived home I booted up my laptop and put the dvd in, nothing happened. I went to my computer and no cd/dvd drive is shown this. I did some research for some time, saw things on the removal of the upper and lower filters in the registry, update drivers and using various programs to 'fix' the registry and people throw around the word 'ORGANIC '. I know my way around a computer, but in any case I am a geek. Edit my registry scares me and when I see the word BIOS pop up, I lose myself. When I go to Device Manager and go on the cd/dvd drive, that he has a saying "Code 19" something about the registry so that it is screwed. So my last ditch effort was to come to these forums and forums to find the solution to my problem without me screwing my new laptop. If someone could help me please it would be GREATLY appreciated!

  OK, after the previous update of the driver didn't work, I decided, I was going to go into the registry and remove the filters of upper/lower case, but when I went back to this registry file (I have same triple checked to make sure I was in the right registry folder) the upper/lower filter was no longer there. So I went looking on the internet and came across this on another site:

  "1. run as administrator command prompt." Type cmd in Windows 8 modern user interface and press HUMINT + shift + enter

  2 type following and say enter

  Reg.exe add "HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\atapi\Controller0" / f/v EnumDevice1 /t REG_DWORD /d 0x00000001

  3. reboot the system

  4. check if the problem has been resolved. »

  So I tried it, and as by chance when I went to reboot my computer it me notified that I had a few updates. For nearly 10 minutes, I was looking forward the updates to complete before restarting my computer. After him comes from the computer on I connected, clicked on desktop, and when he went to my office my CD/DVD drive makes a noise. I immediately thought this meant he had resolved the problem, one when I went to my computer... BAM. He was there, my CD/DVD drive has reappeared. When I stuck in a blu - ray disc, the program (forget his name) came with my ASUS laptop booted right up and started playing the blu - ray beautifully!

  I think that when you had me update this driver it does these case filter options disappear in the registry. Leaving me with this as my last option command prompt to fix my drive. Even if the driver update not totally got my rear disc 100%, I auggy thank you for your help with my cd/dvd drive debacle. If my computer has more ups live silly I certainly will come to you for advice on these forums. If you have an idea why what I said above, did what he did I'd love to know that I'm still confused about the situation but glad that I can once again watch DVDs on my laptop. Thank you once again, the reply back soon!

• I can't get my drive (d :)) to recognize a CD or a DVD. It was working perfectly, all of a sudden, nothing happens when I put a disc in.

  I was able to burn DVDs & CDs for years on this computer, and then all of a sudden, nothing happens when I insert a disc.

  Help!

  Hello

  · What is the number and the model of the computer?

  · Were there any changes made on the computer before the show?

  You can follow the steps from the link: your CD-ROM drive or DVD drive is missing or is not recognized by Windows or other programs: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/982116

• -DVD burn does not work in the DVD player sometimes

  I have a Mac Pro from the beginning of 2008, and it came with a DVD drive (OPTIARC DVD RW AD - 7170A).  I was able to burn DVDs with using toast in the past.

  But lately, the half of the DVD burn won't play in my DVD consumer player.  I get a "Disk error" message when I try to play them, and they do not load.  It's a strange problem, because some of them work and some do not.  I can't tell where the problem is.

  Is there a way to test the DVD player?  Should I just replace it?

  Many brands of blank DVDs gives very inconsistent results when burning. If you use a brand store or generic blanks, that may be the problem.

• On Qosmio G20 DVD player does not work

  On my laptop dvd player does not work perfectly.
  I can watch DVDs and CDs, but I can't burn CDs or DVDs at all.

  This laptop is a former view model and think that when I bought the store I bought it since deleted most of the information

  Help, please

  Thank you

  Hello

  There are two possible reasons why you are not able to copy anything to the CD or DVD.

  First, it may be possible that the drives used are not entirely compatible.
  In such cases, it s always advisable to test different CD and DVD from different manufacturers.

  Secondly, the issue could be related to a defective laser lens; in many cases, this can happen because of a physical constraint. If the laser lens can not calibrate in a good position, then the player will not be able to handle the inserted discs.
  This could be the worst case, because this issue is not repairable. Just a STRANGE replacement could help.

• Portege R500 - DVD player does not work

  Hello
  I love my laptop Portege I bought this month of September. The only thing is that the DVD player is not working for some time.
  -When I put a DVD or CD, I realize I can't freely turn the disc in the drive while it is still open. Strange, but I don't see anything blocking the rotation of the disk.
  -The system does not recognize at all have a DVD player. Initially, it worked, I can't say exactly when it went wrong. I checked with Toshiba Assist: in the information panel, it shows no info on the DVD player, in diagnostic Panel, I have the opportunity to check the DVD but when the test system is just jump the operation all the time, indicating that the Player cannot be found.
  -In the control panel I don't see no more among the hardvers
  -For starting, the DVD is one last thing to check in my BIOS settings. But in fact when the start-up the laptop I can hear the sound of the reader looking for something inside, turning or trying to rotate the disc, but it seems always becomes stuck and starting takes like 5-7 minutes due to lengthy trials, get the DVD player work in vain.
  -Now even when I put the energy setting to oriented perf, I no longer hear the system would look for DVD (setting the player gets off everything when using not saving)

  Someone from Toshiba support could help me? Is it possible to check this problem with the remote connection to my laptop, or something? Or should I take it to the service? With this, I also have a little challenge: I bought my laptop in Hungary, but now I stay in Japan throughout the year. So I would need a station in Tokyo where they accept my European warranty. Could you please provide me with any help or ideas? If possible, direct mail also. Thanks in advance!

  > Could someone support for Toshiba to help me?
  To do this, you will need to get in touch with the Toshiba ASP in your country.
  Here in the forum you can get suggestions form common users because it s a user forum to ;)

  > Is it possible to check this problem with the remote connection to my laptop, or something?
  I doubt that this is possible since this could be a hardware problem

  > Or should I take it to the service?
  Maybe this would be the best

  > I need a station in Tokyo where they accept my European warranty. Could you please provide me with any help or ideas? If possible by direct mail also
  On the page of Toshiba Europe, I was able to find an info on TOSHIBA EMEA LIMITED WARRANTY for NOTEBOOKS.
  This warranty is applicable only in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and can be executed in any
  Countries the EMEA where Toshiba or its Service providers allowed offers warranty service terms and conditions provided for in the present
  warranty. This warranty covers the costs of service parts and labor needed to restore your system to full operational status.

  As you can see in the Japan is not covered by the EMEA region :( So I doubt that the warranty will cover the costs to the Japan.

• Qosmio G30-161 PQG30E: HD-DVD, it does not work

  HI -.

  I have the specifications of the models below, and when I try to use a HD-DVD it does not work. I followed another thread re HD DVD but it seemed to apply only to Windows Vista, but as you can see below I just Windows XP but apparently the HD ready display.

  Any ideas? Thank you, Robin

  Qosmio G30-161
  Part number: PQG30E-024024EN
  Main features
  -Technology Intel Centrino Duo Mobile T2300 to Intel Core Duo processor
  -Genuine Windows XP Media Center Edition
  -120 (60 + 60) GB HDD
  -1 024 (512 + 512) MB of RAM DDR2 (533 MHz)
  -17 "screen Toshiba TruBrite WXGA + TFT
  -Drive DVD Super Multi (Double Layer)

  Sorry but I don't understand your problem. You wrote just HD-DVD, it does not work. What exactly do you mean? The optical disk drive does not work or you can't watch HD-DVD movies?

• Satellite A60-772: SD - R6112 DVD - RW is not working properly

  Hello

  I bought a Satellite A60 772 in September of last year. His Player DVD - RW SD - R6112 worked well upward until March 2005, some time; However, I only used to burn CD - R and CD - RW. Then all about March, I used it maybe twice to burn on DVD - RW using the RecordNow! supplied software.

  There is no problem - so - but shortly after the player refuses to detect even the CD - RW and DVD - RW. I can now use only of the CD - R with it (have not checked with DVD-R). Since then, I have uninstalled and reinstalled several times and even reinstalled once the operating system (e.g. Windows XP Home Edition). I also updated the BIOS about a month ago. Still nothing.

  -Someone - had a similar problem? And if you also have an idea how to solve this problem?

  Hello

  If there is the same situation after the recovery process, I assume that there is some malfunction of the equipment. All that you have done is just. I think the warranty is still valid and the best solution is to contact the Service of your country partner and let check the drive.

  Maybe the reader must be exchanged.

• Lenovo Y430 - drive Optiarc DVD RW AD - 7640 S ATA Device dvd does not

  Hi guys,.

  My Lenovo Y430 - drive Optiarc DVD RW AD - 7640 S ATA Device dvd does not

  Its not reading any cds/DVDs.

  Please could you help me how to fix it

  Once am put any DVD that the DVD is flashing and after a few seconds, his flashing no more.

  Mine is under WIndows Vista SP2

  I checked the CD-ROM/dvd-rom drivers in its 'active' display ' device working properly "Device Manager and registry also to 'upperclass' or 'lowerclass' settings entry just good.

  Please someone help me how to solve this problem.

  Thanks in advance.

  Kind regards

  Rambeau

  ++

  @bjawasa is 90% out of material. Lenovo ask to change your dvd - rom with a new free of charge if you have the warranty.

  You can call the help line: hindi or English speaking - 1800-3070-0010 (Toll-free) or 1800-113-324 (Toll-free)

• I have a computer running VISTA. The CD-ROM/DVD-rom does not work and can not read the CD of the program that I placed in it.

  It won't read a DVD.  It will not read ANY CD or DVD.  I tried 12 different CD/DVD.  This isn't an upgrade to Vista; the computer came "made for Vista" with Vista installed on it.  I had added Nero.  I removed Nero.  I did all the updates. I have not released the driver and reinstalled.  He claims to have the latest driver software, but it won't work.  The computer can see the CD/DVD, but he calls it a 'CDROM '.  It is not the case.  It is a DVD/Cd-RW with Labelflash.

  I did everything suggested that past discussions.  I ran FIXIT program that claims that the drive works properly.  It is not the case.

  I tried to get various programs to recognize.  They cannot see the installed media.

  I uninstalled iTunes.

  Please do not give me the answer of cut-and - paste stock; It does not work.

  Please tell me what to do to make Vista see the media inserted in the CD/DVD-RW drive.

  Thank you.

  Hello

  Well, if you have tried all the usual bugs try this:

  Make a Restore Point:

  How to create a Vista System Restore Point
  http://www.Vistax64.com/tutorials/76332-system-restore-point-create.html

  How to make a Vista system restore
  http://www.Vistax64.com/tutorials/76905-System-Restore-how.html
  ------------------------------------------------

  Then go to right click on UNINSTALL - - CD/DVD - Device Manager CHECK THE DRIVERS to REMOVE and
  continue.

  Reset.

  Occasionally, install an upgrade or a re - install will fix the problem and of course the drive or other hardware issues
  could be at stake.

  =====================================

  Here's the answer, just in case there is something you don't have, and I start up and down.

  Try this - Panel - Device Manager - CD/DVD - double-click on the device - driver tab - click
  Update the drivers (this will probably do nothing) - then RIGHT click the drive - UNINSTALL - REBOOT
  This will refresh the default driver stack. Even if the reader does not appear to continue below.
  
  Then, work your way through these - don't forget the drive might be bad, could be a loose cable
  or slight corrosion on the contacts (usually for a laptop) and other issues.
  

  Your CD or DVD drive is missing or is not recognized by Windows or other programs
  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314060 - a Mr Fixit

  The CD drive or the DVD drive does not work as expected on a computer that you upgraded to Windows Vista
  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/929461

  When you insert a CD or a DVD, Windows Vista may not recognize the disc
  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/939052

  Your CD or DVD drive cannot read or write media - A Mr Fixit
  http://support.Microsoft.com/GP/cd_dvd_drive_problems

  CD/DVD drive does not appear in Windows Vista, or you receive this error during the installation of Windows Vista after booting from the DVD (AHCI)
  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/952951
  Drive CD - R or CD - RW Drive is not recognized as a recordable device
  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/316529/

  Hardware devices not detected or not working - A Mr Fixit
  http://support.Microsoft.com/GP/hardware_device_problems

  Another possibility is that the cables are loose. Remove ALL power, then make sure that the cables in both
  ends. Remove and replace, do not just tight. For laptops, you can often clean power and
  contacts data with a pencil eraser.

  Some DVD players do not use the Windows default drivers so check with the manufacturer of system and
  manufacturer of device to see if there is a firmware or drivers for your drive if necessary.

  ===========================================

  You can try an In-Place Upgrade (hopefully save programs and data) or a repair installation (if all goes well
  saves the data, and you need to reinstall the programs). Be sure to do a good backup or three.

  You can use another DVD that are not protected but you will need to copy you have the product key.

  On-site upgrade
  http://vistasupport.MVPs.org/repair_a_vista_installation_using_the_upgrade_option_of_the_vista_dvd.htm

  If nothing works, you can make a repair facility that must save the data but you will need to
  Reinstall the programs. This also requires correct Vista disks especially for OEM versions. You will be
  need to know your product Code.

  This tells you how to access the System Recovery Options and/or a Vista DVD
  http://windowshelp.Microsoft.com/Windows/en-us/help/326b756b-1601-435e-99D0-1585439470351033.mspx

  How to perform a repair for Vista Installation
  http://www.Vistax64.com/tutorials/88236-repair-install-Vista.html

  I hope this helps.
  Rob - bicycle - Mark Twain said it is good.