Troubleshooting Guide
2–40 www.hp.com Troubleshooting Guide
Troubleshooting Without Diagnostics
Cannot eject compact disc 
(tray-load unit).
Disc not properly seated 
in the drive.
Turn off the computer and insert a 
thin metal rod into the emergency 
eject hole and push firmly. Slowly 
pull the tray out from the drive until 
the tray is fully extended, then 
remove the disc.
CD-ROM, CD-RW, 
DVD-ROM, or DVD-R/RW 
drive cannot read a disc or 
takes too long to start.
Media has been 
inserted upside down.
Re-insert the Media with the label 
facing up.
The DVD-ROM drive 
takes longer to start 
because it has to 
determine the type of 
media played, such as 
audio or video.
Wait at least 30 seconds to let the 
DVD-ROM drive determine the type 
of media being played. If the disc 
still does not start, read the other 
solutions listed for this topic.
CD or DVD disc is dirty. Clean CD or DVD with a CD 
cleaning kit, available from most 
computer stores.
Windows does not 
detect the CD-ROM or 
DVD-ROM drive.
1. Use Device Manager to remove 
or uninstall the device in 
question.
2. Restart the computer and let 
Windows detect the CD or DVD 
driver.
Recording audio CDs is 
difficult or impossible.
Wrong or poor quality 
media type.
1. Try using a slower speed when 
recording.
2. Verify that you are using the 
correct media for the drive.
3. Try a different brand of media. 
Quality varies widely between 
manufacturers.
Solving CD-ROM and DVD Problems (Continued)
Problem Cause Solution










