Laptop CD-ROM Problems
CD-ROM discs are a well-established way for providing music and data to use on a laptop computer. But there are some problems associated with using a CD-ROM that can cause the laptop to have difficulties accessing and playing it. Knowing what these problems are beforehand can be of aid in resolving difficulties before they can become catastrophic to the laptop.
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History
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CD-ROM drives were first introduced in laptop computers a few years after they appeared in desktop models. CD-ROM drives added a significant amount to the price of the laptop and were found in few models but over time their cost decreased as their availability increased.
Disc Problem
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Check that the CD disc does not have fingerprints or scratches on the bottom side that the CD-ROM drive reads. Damage to the disc will cause the CD-ROM drive to play the disc erratically or not at all.
Make sure that the disc being inserted into a CD-ROM drive is not a DVD. A DVD disc will be rejected by the CD-ROM drive and won't play. In some cases the disc will be ejected, but it can also be ignored totally by the CD-ROM drive and treated as if no disc has been inserted.
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CD Driver Corrupted
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The software driver that runs the CD-ROM drive can become corrupted and so work erratically. Delete the drive and download a new driver from the Support section of the website of the laptop's manufacturer. Install the CD driver and restart the laptop.
CD-ROM Drive Stalls in Use
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Restart the computer if the CD-ROM starts and stops playing the CD without being told to.
On a Windows-based computer, go to "Start" and right-click on "My Computer" > "Properties." Select the "Hardware" tab, then "Device Manger" and "DVD/CD-ROM Drives." Right-click on the CD-ROM drive's icon and select "Uninstall" from the menu that appears. Restart the computer.
Expert Insight
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The lens inside of the CD-ROM drive that is used with the laser that reads the CD can become stained or opaque from use or a dirty environment. Use a commercial cleaning kit that consists of a disc and a special solution that is placed on it. Insert the cleaning disc in the drive and spin the disc by running Windows Media Player and pressing the "Play" button. Remove the cleaning disc and let the solution dry before putting in a CD again.
Warning
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Don't pull out a CD that has gotten stuck in a laptop's CD-ROM drive. This can severely damage the drive. Shut down and then restart the computer and then press the Eject button or drag the icon of the CD to the trash to eject it. Get professional assistance if the disc refuses to budge.
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