Windows 10 Dell Inspiron: HL-DT-STDVD+-RW GU90N Drive Not Working

Windows 10
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I'm experiencing issues with my DVD/CD drive. It often fails to detect inserted discs, and the Device Manager incorrectly reports it as functioning properly. I've tried updating the driver from the manufacturer's website, but the problem remains. Any assistance would be appreciated.

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Hey there Sorry to hear you’re having trouble with your HL-DT-STDVD±RW GU90N DVD/CD drive on your Dell Inspiron running Windows 10. Let’s go through some troubleshooting steps to see if we can get it working for you.

First, let’s cover some basic checks:

  1. Check the BIOS: Ensure the drive is recognized in the BIOS. The steps to do this vary by device, so if you’re not sure how to do it, you might need to consult your computer’s manual or contact Dell support.
  2. Clean the Drive: Sometimes, a simple cleaning of the drive can resolve issues. Use a soft cloth and gentle cleaning products to wipe down the drive’s exterior and interior.
  3. Update the Driver: Since you already tried updating the driver from the manufacturer’s website, let’s try another approach.
    1. Open Device Manager by pressing Win + X and selecting Device Manager.
    2. Expand DVD/CD-ROM drives and right-click on your DVD/CD drive.
    3. Select Uninstall device.
    4. Click Uninstall to confirm.
    5. Restart your computer.
    6. Windows will automatically reinstall the driver.

If the driver update doesn’t work, let’s try a few more things:

  1. Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter:

    1. Press Win + S to open Search.
    2. Type troubleshooting and open the Troubleshooting window.
    3. Under Hardware and Sound, click Configure a device.
    4. Follow the on-screen prompts and let the troubleshooter run its course.

  2. Clear Upper and Lower Registry Filters:

    1. Press Win + R to open Run.
    2. Type regedit and press Enter to open Registry Editor.
    3. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}.
    4. Right-click on UpperFilters and then select Delete.
    5. Do the same for LowerFilters.
    6. Close Registry Editor and restart your computer.

  3. Check the Drive Cable Connections: If you’re using a desktop computer, make sure the cable connecting the drive to your motherboard is securely plugged in.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, it might be a hardware problem. You could try contacting Dell support to see if they have any additional solutions or if the drive might need replacement.