I have a Gateway computer, USING Windows XP.  I am missing my cd rom from "my computer".  I am new to this forum and not too computer-savvy.  However, I was searching on the web and found this site.  I followed the advise given by CBMatt on going into the Device Manager, and look for a ! next to the CD drive.  I found ! next to HL_DT-ST CD-ROM GCR-84838, as well as ! next to LITE-ON DVDR W SDHW-16335.  I UNINSTALLED both, then restarted the computer. Went into "my computer", no cd drive still.  Went back into Device Manager and both were back there w/the !.  Any ideas?  Thanks. You tried the first option, so proceed with others....


1. Uninstall the drive through Device Manager.
Restart computer. The drive will be automatically reinstalled.
or...
2. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314060
Restart computer.
or...
3. Download, and run RESTORE Missing CD Drive patch
Double click on cdgone.zip to unzip it.
Right click on cdgone.reg, click Merge.
Accept registry merge.
Restart computer.
or...
4. Go to Device Manager, click a "+" sign next to IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers.
You'll see two items:
- ATA Channel0 (or Primary Channel)
- ATA Channel1 (or Secondary Channel)
Right click on each of them, and click Uninstall. Confirm.
Restart Windows. They'll be automatically reinstalled.Used the missing cd patch and it worked - I am back in business!  Thanks so very much from a happy Grandma!  Have a great WEEKEND!Way to go!!