External DVD drive

I have a new HP Envy computer without a dvd port. I purchased an external portable dvd drive, but I can't get it to work with windows 8.1. It isn't even registering as being hooked up. It worked fine on my husband's windows 7 computer and was able to play a dvd.
Thanks
trishka
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I assume it is usb. It should work. Sometimes the drive will not show in the Windows Explorer until you actually put a disk in. Have you tried that? Also make sure you plug it in to one of the legacy usb 2.0 ports. Sometimes things that are not USB 3 do not work well in usb 3 ports. Find the port which does not have a blue plastic tab inside.

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That is only partially correct at best.
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Take the DVD drive back and exchange it for a Firewire model. You cannot boot the iMac from a USB drive. This is basic information your Apple store personnel should know unless you failed to tell them what Mac model you have.

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Hi, Harold -
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Hi Tamkhai,
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Did you remove the front piece from the drive tray? It should unclip easily. Also, there are two different sets of mounting screws, depending on the brand of drive, to set the correct height, so the tray will open the case door. You may be able to adjust the tray height by loosening the front or rear screws.

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Peter,Welcome to Apple Discussions.
Here are some alternative choices for playing DVDs.
If the LaCie drive USB or FW?
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mrtotes

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Restore Disc Will Not Boot From External DVD Drive

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