dvd drive not showing up in device manager

Check that there are no unknown devices showing an error anywhere in Device Manager.

Most likely a cable or connector has come loose or just possibly the drive has failed. It sounds as if the power is still connected but there must be a bad connection in the data circuit. If the drive is not appearing in Device Manager then almost certainly there is a hardware problem. The drive must be OK, and connected up properly as it was used to instal the new system.

This seems to be a pretty common problem as it is discussed in many Forums, BUT the Reg edit is the noral cure. I have tried the Microsoft Fix-it download, and the Upper & Lower filters edit in the Registry (they are not even there). I have have been searching everywhere for an answer. It open & closes ok, and even starts to spin etc. It is not showing in Device Manager or My Computer. Had a few little issues with drivers but managed to get everything working apart from DVD / CD drive.

I put Windows Vista Home Premium on it for her (it had Vista Business on before by looks of it). She managed to get herself a Sony Vaio VGN-BX61MN (lovely laptop by the way :smileywink:). My Sisters workplace sold off some laptops recently, but wiped them before hand.

Dvd drive not showing up in device manager