Drive not reading discs

It seems that only some discs will read - I can hear the drive rev up then it slows down..this process repeats three times then it ejects the disc.
It won't even read the install disc that came with the computer.
Any ideas?

If no discs are reading, then the optical drive needs to be replaced. If only certain discs aren't working on your computer but might work on others, then it might be a faulty disc.
I had a strange issue recently with a colleagues MacBook Pro, which would simply spit out a Windows XP CD, whereas mine read it fine. His could read any other CD I tried except that one. I figured it might have been the bar code sticker Microsoft so graciously slapped on the CD that might be throwing off the balance, so I made an image and copied the CD to a blank disc. Low and behold, it worked fine in his MBP!
So, hopefully this helps somewhat.

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HD needs repairing but optical drive NOT reading discs.

My problem is this: I have a June 2010 21.5" iMac which is out of warranty. Disk utility says my HD needs repairing. No problem, I have the original install DVD. Trouble is my DVD drive has suddenly stopped reading discs! I rand Apple tech support for help and I asked them if I could simply buy a usb external DVD drive and re-install that way? Since I will also have to reinstall from DVD; Logic and Pro-Tools. He said no! Consequently I'm booked in for repair next week at an Apple store.
Is that a way of Apple making money and I CAN actually repair the HD via an external usb hard drive?? Did he convince me to take it to an Apple store so they gain cash from me that way?
Do I take it in for repair? The Apple Tech Support guy gave me no clue as to how much this is going to cost.
Or don't take for repair and buy an external usb DVD drive?
I struggle with computers at the best of times!
Any help greatly appreciated.

I've used ancient Compaq "Multi-bay" external drives and a variety of other random-vendor external USB drives with Apple laptops and Apple servers, and they've worked. In several cases, I was using the old Compaq drives because the integrated DVD drivers were dusty or had failed — DVD drives of all sorts can and do fail, Apple, third-party and otherwise — and the Compaq drives were handy. That Compaq Multi-bay drive booted an Apple Xserve Intel box with a bad slot-loader, too.
If one drive fails, debugging suggests trying a different drive.
If you don't want to be concerned about compatibility, order one of those (not cheap) Apple external DVD drives. I now have a couple of those around, and they work.
It's quite true that newer Apple laptops don't have DVD drives, though most of these systems offer a recovery partition on the disk, the ability to create external recovery partitions on the device of your choice, newer ones have Internet-based recovery if you're lacking a drive (booting from Apple's servers via the Internet), and the Mac boxes I've tried will boot from various random USB devices including the old other-vendor DVD drives, and from the Apple external DVD drives. With another Mac with a compatible wiring connection (Thunderbolt and cable on newer Mac systems, and FireWire and cable with a pair of older Mac systems), Target Disk Mode (TDM) can be used. The installations can also be copied to other hard disks, and it's also possible to network-boot most any Mac system, if you have a server around. And there's also the remote disk installations that some Mac systems can offer. Put another way, there are various and good alternatives to device-integrated DVD drives.
DVD is an old and mechanical technology, and it's variously a flaky one. Given a choice, I'd rather boot OS X off an external hard disk or solid state or flash device or via TDM, just because it's faster and more compact. This because I'd rather not carry around the weight and volume of that DVD drive all the time, on the off chance I might sometime eventually need to recover. But an external random DVD device does work, too.
As was mentioned else-thread, there is no special chip required in the drives. Given the command set and status-level differences from drive to drive I've seen and given the failure rates I've witnessed with DVD and CD drives from all vendors including Apple, I wouldn't expect every drive to work, but I've seen nothing that Apple does here that would prevents a random drive from working. And I've used random drives...

DVD RW drive not reading discs

Hey guys, I have a G61-210CA (HP Laptop) and the DVD RW drive no longers reads discs. I have tried running the Mr Fix it tool which could not repair the problem. I have tried uninstalling device from device manager and reinstalling it. I have removed the upper and lower limits in an effort to solve the problem. I am still having the same issue. When I put in a disc it does not recognize disc. The light comes on and the drive spins, it is just unable to read it. Any suggestions?

Replace the defective drive.

Super Drive not reading discs...

My eMac is ejecting the majority of dics (both CD's & DVD's) after inserted even the system discs that came with the computer. The discs are not damaged in anyway. Any suggestions??

1) Buy one of those lens cleaning discs that have the little brush on them...
2) Open the eMac. Remove the optical drive. Open the optical drive. Clean lens with alcohol swab.
I performed the optical drive swap recently when my drive died... (I tried a disc cleaner - didn't try swabbing the lens directly). I don't "recommend" doing it, cos yes, there is a cathode ray tube inside that could kill you... and I don't want that on my head. :} But if you're used to dealing with such things, it may be an option.
Otherwise... you're looking at selling the eMac, or buying an external optical drive.

DVD Drive not reading discs

Hi, I have a Pioneer DVD-R DVR-117D superdrive that came with my computer from apple. I have a project that I am trying to put onto a DVD-R dual layer disc but my drive just ejects the disc after attempting to read it for a little while. Any suggestions are appreciated

The DVR-117D is in reality a DVR-108 with some functions either slowed down or disabled by Apple. One of the disabled functions was double layer burning.
If you wish to restore this ability, you'll need to flash the drive to a DVR-108 with the firmware available from Pioneer here.
You can get instructions for doing this at XLR8yourmac.com, but some of the links on that page are outdated. The flash utility mentioned is now at version 2.2, and the firmware you should be using is the one I linked to above.
Now, you've stated that you bought DVD-R DL, which this drive won't burn. It will burn the DVD+R DL, though. In any event, Apple specifically recommends that DVD-R DL not be used.

Combo-Drive not reading Discs

Hello, earlier today i was importing songs from a cd-r to iTunes. During the import, my computer froze and wouldn't respond so i restarted it. When i restarted the computer and logged on the disc that i left in wasn't appearing on the desktop. I put in several other discs including a dvd, cd-r, and a lens cleaner but none of them were read. When insert them the drive doesn't even make a noise and the disc isn't moved at all when i eject them. Is this a software issue or do i need to replace my combo-drive?
iMac G4 800mhz 512ram 20gb iPod with color display Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Darn i was afraid of that. i guess i'll have to take it in to the mac store. thanks

CD drive not reading Audio or Photos intel core 2 duo Mac - says there is nothing on disc / Blank - Is there a fix ??

CD drive not reading Audio or Photos
intel core 2 duo Mac -
says there is nothing on disc / Blank - When there is
Is there a fix ??

At the Apple Icon at top left>About this Mac, then click on More Info, then click on Hardware>Disc Burning & report what it says, like ...
Interconnect: ATAPI
Burn Support: Yes (Apple Shipped/Supported)
Cache: 2048 KB
Reads DVD: Yes
CD-Write: -R, -RW
DVD-Write: -R, -RW, +R, +RW, +R DL
Burn Underrun Protection CD: Yes
Burn Underrun Protection DVD: Yes
Write Strategies: CD-TAO, CD-SAO, CD-Raw, DVD
Have you done a PRAM reset, CMD+Option+p+r...
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379
In fact, do 3 in a row, takes a bit of time.

Read this for CD/DVD Drive with burning, missing drives, not seeing discs

Seeing lots of the same posts with the same solutions being applied (mostly upper/lower control filters/MS Fixit)... so I thought I'd put this up for everyone.
*Update* If this helps, please click the kudos to the right as I'm trying to gauge how effective this is. If you have the time to help the community, please reply stating what did or did not work.
There are some helpful HP support articles that you may want to try before posting:
If your drive cannot burn discs... or you can burn CDs but not DVDs (or vise/versa)... read this...
Drive Cannot Write to Writable Discs (Windows 7)
Drive Cannot Write to Writable Discs (Windows Vista)
Drive Cannot Write to Writable Discs (Windows 98, ME, XP)
Summary:
1) Try different discs! Cheap discs can be hit or miss. Find a disc brand and type that works best.
2) Try burning at a slower speed (not the best option, but can often get the job done if the laser is fading).
3) Remove drive from Device Manager and remove upper/lower filters (see below).
4) Use MS System Restore to go back to a time when it was working.
5) Use PC-Doctor/HP Hardware Diagnostic software to check for a bad drive.
6) If the drive is not bad - save your files and use HP Recovery to put the system back to the beginning.
If your drive cannot read discs; CDs or DVDs or both...
Drive Cannot Read Discs in Windows 7
Drive Cannot Read Discs in Windows Vista
Drive Cannot Read Discs in Windows 98, ME, and XP
Summary:
{restart the PC at least once to see if the drive shows up on boot}
1) See if the drive is listed in Device Manager (look for problems if it is).
2) Check autoplay (skip if you don't use).
3) Make sure a bad disc isn't knocking out the drive (an operating system mounts discs as drives and things can get screwed up).
4) Try reading the disc from a command prompt environment (outside of Windows).
5) Reinstall drive from Device Manager (if drive is listed). {I'd replace this with bigger process of remove upper/lower filters (see below)}.
6) Use MS System Restore to go back to a time when it was working.
7) Use PC-Doctor/HP Hardware Diagnostic software to check for a bad drive.
CD/DVD drive is missing (not in Windows Explorer or My Computer or in burning software)...
CD/DVD Drive is not Detected (Windows 7)
CD/DVD Drive is not Detected (Windows Vista)
CD or DVD Drive is not Detected (Windows 98, ME, or XP)
Summary:
1) See if the drive is listed in Device Manager (troubleshoot based on what you see).
2) Reset Power: Unplug power cord, press Power button for 10 seconds.
3) Check power and data cables attached to the drive and look in the BIOS for the drive name.
4) Remove upper/lower filters (see below).
5) Reinstall burning software
6) Get and CD/DVD drive firmware updates if available (to prevent missing drives in the future (I assume)).
7) Use MS System Restore to go back to a time when it was working.
Stuck Drawer...
Opening a Stuck CD or DVD Drive Tray
Summary:
1) Press eject button on case, on drive, button on keyboard (if exists).
2) Right-click drive icon in Windows and select Eject.
3) Turn off PC and inert a straightened paper clip into the manual release hole on the drive.
4) Check the power cord on the back of the drive.
MS FIXit, Resetting Upper and lower Filters (XP, Vista and 7)
First... try to use the MS Fixit (for Vista) if you are on the computer having the problem)...
Microsoft Fix it Solution
Otherwise, here are the manual steps (overview):
1) Uninstall the CD/DVD drive in Device Manager and DO NOT RESTART the computer.
2) Uninstall your CD burning software (make sure you have the installation disc or you can resinstall from Start, Programs, PC Help and Tools, Recovery Manager (or Driver/Application Recovery). If you don't have the installation discs, skip this step - it might still work).
3) Open the registry editor (Start -> Run -> enter Regedit) ... might want to make a backup of the registry at this point.
4) Open the following keys:
+ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
+ SYSTEM
+ CurrentControlSet (or the current control set with lowest number if that is all that is listed)
+ Control
+ Class
5) Select 4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318. It has to be this exact key - make sure you can see the last numbers!!!
6) Delete the UpperFilter and or the LowerFilters value in the right window if either exists.
7) RESTART the computer - this step is important. Wait for Windows to find and install the CD/DVD drive you removed earlier.
8) Reinstall your burning software and restart the computer again.
Message Edited by GarenT on 10-07-2009 06:32 PM
Message Edited by RasterBlaster on 11-30-2009 03:51 PM
... an HP employee expressing his own opinion.
Please post rather than send me a Message. It's good for the community and I might not be able to get back quickly. - Thank you.

That's why you want to make a backup of the registry. If you didn't make a backup, use MS system restore to go back. The only values you should remove are UpperFilter or LowerFilter - one or both may be in there and can be removed. If neither value exists, then that is probably why you can't burn and Windows is not recognizing your drive as a writable drive.
... an HP employee expressing his own opinion.
Please post rather than send me a Message. It's good for the community and I might not be able to get back quickly. - Thank you.

Equium A110-233 drive not reading any discs - error code 39

Drive not reading any discs.
Something to do with driver. As far as i can tell it says code 39 error.

Hi
Please try the first method:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;320553
There you will find a link to the MS website which provides a nice solution.

MacBook Pro optical drive will not read discs

My 2011 17" MacBook Pro will not read discs. Whenever i inject a disc, it does not start spinning and ejects after about one second.

Thanks Silvergc. That's exactly want I did and all is ¡muy bueno! now.

Hp-dvd-ram-uj8c2 not reading discs

hi there, i have a problem with my hp-dvd-ram-uj8c2 device, its not reading discs,but on properties it shows the device is working..
thanx

Hi @codesa ,
Welcome to the HP Forums!
It is a terrific place to find answers.
For you to have the best experience in the HP forum I would like to direct your attention to the HP Forums Guide Learn How to Post and More
I grasp that your optical drive will not read disks but shows that it is working properly in Device Manager. This may be due to it requiring a driver update?
Have you done all your Windows and HP updates?
Here is a link to the HP Support Assistant to aid with the HP updates.
If you are unable to update please note this solution by @DavidPK hp dvd ram uj8c2 won't update on hp pavilion
I hope this helps!
Sparkles1
I work on behalf of HP
Please click “Accept as Solution ” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Pavilion 23 AIO touchsmart CDROM drive not reading disks

The CDROM drive on my computer is not working. Well, it is not reading discs. I have tried several cd's, uninstalled the drive, and made sure it was not gunked up. I can hear the drive *trying* to read the disc, but opens and says to install a cd. Any other suggestions? Will I just have to replace the drive? The computer is fairly new (under 1 year old).

Hi, Please try Run now from the following link:
http://support.microsoft.com/mats/cd_dvd_drive_problems/en-us
or:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314060/en-us Regards.

My DVD drive not reading DVDs, but can read some DVDs with data on it. Device manager shows no error

My DVD drive not reading DVDs, but can read some DVDs with data on it. Device manager shows no errors.
I tried to reinstall driver.
I downloaded new codec
I tried Microsoft FIX IT
Nothing worked.
Need some help.
Thank you!!
Paul

Hi Albos, This is a known problem. These superdrives die after a while. See the various threads on this site and the internet. I have the same problem with my Imac 20" 2.16 ghz. Just wants to burn and read cd's. Its has to do with the laser. For DVD an CD are two different laser and the one for DVD's has probably died in yours (as it did in mine). I bought an external LG burner and problem solved. (And a lot cheaper than replacing the superdrive)
Hope this helps you.
Robert

EMac External LACIE DVD Drive not reading.

eMac External LACIE DVD Drive not reading.
eMac 700 MHz running OS X 4.4
Came without DVD or modem internal
Has 256mb memory
Bought a used Lacie 1394 Firewire DVR External.
Was able to burn DVD’s and CD’s with Toast 6 Light.
Cannot find the “DVD Player” on the hard drive.
It will read data DVD.
eMac will not read any movies burnt or bought.
I was told I probably need more memory?
Thought running IDVD would fix the problem.
No Soap.
This machine was giving external modem problems before Tiger was installed.
Before we spend more money or just get ride of the eMac.
What is the DVD problem?
This same Lacie burner reads and writes DVD and CD fine with our iMac 450 DV 320mb memory. Running 9.2 and X.3

OS X 10.3.x / 10.4.x natively support data burning to external DVD drives but video payback requires software such as iDVD which isn't installed by default on models without an internal DVD drive (the installer sees no internal drive and thinks it's unnecessary). Try downloading VLC Player and see if that will let you play movies.

Drive not accepting discs readily

I recently went to put a disc in my macbook's drive (rev 1). I was suprised by finding what i though to be a disc in the drive ... but after further inspection, the drive was empty, I had to almost force the disc in, it no longer glides in. This MacBook is a month out of warranty. It has had almost every part changed on it under warranty since I got it... any suggestions what to do. The drive is reading discs, but I am rather disappointed with it's performance... I have always wanted a DVD burner. If I cannot simply fix it, is it possible to install any ATAPI burner I want or are there certain limitations?
Morgan

Even if you can find a firmware update or alternative firmware to install in your drive, it isn't going to affect a physical obstruction to inserting a disc. You have a hardware failure, and replacing your drive is the thing to do.

Drive not reading discs

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