Cannot access CD-DVD. Computer will not auto-run disc's and when i went into "computer" the CD/DVD icon seems to have VANISHED. Only Local disc (C) and Control Panel displayed. Think it may be driver problem, however i do not have disc to reload even if it could be read! System is Windows 2000If you can establish make and model of unit you should be able to find a driver thru a search on the web.

But - when did this occur ... sudden?  recent?  Any other changes made? ETCI have met the similar problem before.A friend of me ,his cd-rom icon disappear,

first I restart his computer,during the booting I found the cd-rom is detected.
After the system enter the desktop.I open "My computer" the Icon still not appear there.
I go to "device manager" ,remove item under "DVD/CD-rom drivers",then restart the computer,
after booting up. On the system tray there popup a baloon says "find new hardware"

I just do this .I don't know if this could give any help.

btw, the cd-rom drivers ALWAYS were included in system disc, and when you install the system the drivers had been copyed to hard disk(in you system drive).
Just because of that the system could find the driver of new hardware and install it to system on my friend's computer.
Indeed drivers for ATAPI devices usually within a system but not sure with Win 2k - compared with XP - probably has suitable driver actually.

The remove idea could well WORK - forcing windows to 'rediscover' the item on reboot but tho I ran Win 2k a while ago ... not sure if it'll be quite as 'clever' as XP in a plug'n'play sense.  Worth a try tho. Quote

forcing windows to 'rediscover'