Windows 10: File Explorer Doesn't Automatically Recognize DVD Drive

I just purchased a HP290-p0043w. Everything seems to be working fine except for an annoyance with Windows File Explorer.


If I put a DVD into the DVD Writer, I hear sounds like the PC is reading the DVD. However, in the File Explorer window, the Navigation Pane does not show the drive. If I click on the "This PC" header (either a left click or a right click to open it in a new window), then the drive shows up on the Navigation Pane. Note that I can read/write to the DVD in the drive.


Also, if I go through the same process (ie, insert a DVD and not see the drive in the Navigation Pane), there is another "workaround". If I insert a USB stick into the USB port, the computer reads it and it shows up in the Navigation Pane …..ALONG WITH THE "MISSING" DVD DRIVE. This is weird as I have never seen a computer do this. I talked with HP Support and they didn't know what was going on either.


I do have AutoPlay turned on. Is there some other option I need to set?

:)

 

Dvd drive not showing


Is this the HP 15r014tx in your system specs? If so, try the steps in this thread....
https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebo...r/td-p/6186456

It may be that your DVD drive has a hardware failure (as was suggested in that thread).

More HP support and diagnosis suggestions here in their Help pages....

HP PCs - CD/DVD Drive Is Not Detected (Windows 10, 8) | HP® Customer Support

 

CD/DVD Drive does not show in File Explorer

Hi Dave,

This problem may be caused by a corrupted driver or a corrupted registry entry. Modifying the registry can cause problems if configured incorrectly.

We suggest following the troubleshooting steps provided on this article. It
contains methods on how to resolve CD or DVD drive that is not seen in File Explorer.

Get back to us if you need further assistance.

 

CD/DVD drive not recognized

---I'm okay with opening latops. I've opened this one 3 times, adding SSD HD and upgrading RAM. I'll be able to try this later on, Friday, probably. With it spinning up when a CD is inserted, I'm not sure this would help. I'd appreciate advice on this.