I have a bunch of  DVD-R and CD-RW but the only drives I have are local disk C, DVD-RW and removable disk E and they will not work in the DVD-RW.   Is there something I can install where what  I have will work?   I must have gotten these DVD-R and CD-RW when I had another computer.      Thank you.   Anna RuthSo do I. The CD and DD discs were not as good as one would expect.

Possibly getting a brand new DRIVE might help. You can ask a friend if the discs can be read on another PC. Also, you might consider cleaning the discs with a  special thing made for that  purpose. Used carefully, you might be able to restore a disc if the surfaces has been soiled or marked.

One kind of cleaner is fro the DVD drive, but there is another kind the will clean and polish the surface of the DVD or CD disc surface with a mild cleanser. You can find such in a local store or buy on line. I think you would try FIRST a local store to make sure lit is what your want.

That is the BEST I can offer. 

You need to establish: is it the drive or the disks? 1. Are any (or all) of the disks readable in another computer? 2. Can you read or write any optical disk in the drive in question?
I agree with Salmon...

There's also the possibly the optical drive has failed...a DVD-RW drive should be able to read CDr/CD-RW's with no problem.
The average lifespan of optical drives has gone down DRAMATICALLY ...If the drive is any good it should read a new or RECENTLY bought music CD or movie DVD in good clean condition. I mean a retail pressed disc, not a burned one.
You should check your Device Manager to see if there any any yellow warning icons.Probably lookin at blank CD/DVD;s...