G74: Win 8.1 Pro, Optical Drive won't read DVD

[Boosted_R]

FIXED... See Post #6

Hey, wondering if anyone else has had this issue. Was working great on Win 7. Tried to read a DVD today, and it doesn't recognize a DVD.

Saw other threads about modifying registry but mine seem to look ok, didn't find any high/low filters. I did change Default from "no value" to "BD-ROM Drive" with no change



Any ideas would be great, Thanks

[indianacarnie]

Welcome to Win8.

You could try running a sfc/scannow but I don't know if it will cure your problem. Maybe. It fixed mine when I had the same problem in Win7. Tried 8 as .... whatever the Beta was called AND the RC version ..... had the same problem and more too numerous to mention.

[Pitcher1]

try reinstall DVD driver.

[Boosted_R]

Will try those things, will let you know how it goes. Thanks

[getjohnalive]

maybe you could also install Intel® Rapid Storage Technology V.11.7.0.1013. I also had problem where my Bluray/DVD optical Drive could not read my dvd or bluray discs, but it is fixed after install Intel® Rapid Storage Technology V.11.7.0.1013 and if you still have problem with your Optical Drive after installing this driver, then your optical drive hardware may be damaged. and you should replace it.

[Boosted_R]

SO ITS FIXED, AND A CRAZY FIX IT WAS lol

Tried everything suggested, but nothing worked, lastly I tried Power4Gear, still nothing.

So I ejected the bay to look at the lasers, they were fine. Was thinking maybe the laser module had some how lost the home position, so I manually moved the laser module back to home position (center). This was all done with the laptop was powered ON and OS running.

Put in a CD to try it, and what do you know it worked, tried a DVD and it worked.

I could only imagine the amount of DVD drives that were replaced because of this lol.... and no the laser module wasn't stuck before, because you hear it seeking (moving back and forth)

Overall, I'm pretty happy with the fix, it's possible to damage the drive doing this, but after running out of options it was worth it 😄