1.

Solve : Drives disappear suddenly?

Answer»

I have two CD/DVD drives. In the last couple of days, whenever I insert a disc into either of them, both their icons turn into what you see in the screenshot bellow.



The drives are nowhere to be found in My Computer, or with the Device Manager, or in any way imaginable. There's also no way to eject them until they spontaniously resume their function the next day or something (restarting the computer doesn't seem to help either).

I should also say that I've had the same hardware configuration for months and no problem until a few days ago, so I don't think the problem is some sort of power lack.

So if anyone can help, it would be appreciated.

By the way, I'm using XP Professional if it's of any importance.

edit: it was just brought to my attention that this is a section about drivers, not disc drives. Well, sorry about that. I CHOOSE to blame it on Microsoft.When you right click on any of those funny named icons (I assume, those name are not FAMILIAR to you), click Properties, what do you have there?
Did you try System Restore?
All Windows updates, security check up to date?Actually, I made those names (renamed the desktop shortcuts only, not the drives). When I right click -> properties it says that they point to E:\ and F:\ (which is correct) but then it informs me that E:\ and F:\ don't exist and asks me if I want to delete the shortcut.

Windows updates and security are up-to-date.

I'm hesitant in using system restore until I've used up any other solutions people might suggest.I don't understand why some people are so afraid of System Restore...
It's the easiest way to FIX things, if they are fixable through System Restore.
It won't remove any data, or programs...
Just wondering...Yeah, when I first got my computer I used system restore a few times in a row and next thing I knew my computer was slower than a smoked up turtle carrying a pile of bricks on its back. Not sure if it's connected but I'd rather try something else this time.

Besides, I'm very interested in the cause of this problem, the solution will come once I know it. Giving your PC shock therapy isn't the answer to everything.Oh, and now I can eject the drives, but the situation is the same apart from that. They're still non-existent ACCORDING to Windows.Quote

Giving your PC shock therapy isn't the answer to everything.
I'm sorry, but I have to disagree. System Restore is a legitimate Windows tool, not a butcher.OK, my Linux installation CD just got left inside a drive when it went MIA again. And when I say *my CD* I mean *CD I borrowed from my teacher*.

Tried system restore, doesn't work.

I'm losing my *censored* mind.

Is there anyone who can tell me what is going on or do I have to open the drive with a crowbar in order to retreive the CD, which I have to return tommorow?There is a pinhole on the FRONT of the drives...straighten out a paper clip and insert it pressing gently til the drive door opens...

I would then delete your desktop shortcuts...travel to Device Manager and right clik each drive and select uninstall. You will get an error message...ignore it.
Re-boot and Windows will automatically re-install the drives.
You can then re-create the shortcuts and you should be good to go.


Discussion

No Comment Found