Toshiba Laptop DVD Drive Problems

By Jesse Seilhan

Toshiba DVD drives for laptops can give you issues from time to time, and depending on the root of these issues, repair can range from simple and easy to costly and annoying. A valid manufacture warranty covers you if your hardware has failed you, but nearly all warranties do not cover this problem if it is caused by a virus, registry error, or any other software-related incident.

Registry Issue

The most common issue is not a physical one, but one that's caused by an incorrect registry value. On a Windows-based PC, click "Start," then click "Run." Type "regedit" (without the quotes), and then click "OK." Find the registry key entitled HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}. You see "UpperFilters" on the right side, which you need to right-click and delete. Do the same thing for "Lower Filters." After a quick restart, your drive should be in working order if it was a simple registry issue.

Physical Issue

If the drive won't even pop out of its casing, even after you have pressed the button or clicked "Eject" when in Windows, then you may have a broken drive. If it is under warranty, this issue is covered, and you can have the drive repaired by Toshiba or an authorized repair technician. If you want to replace it yourself, you have to find a similarly sized laptop drive, uninstall the one you have, and pop in the new one. The tools, time, and parts needed to do this may cost more than just having a professional do it.

Software Issue

Sometimes the drive is working physically, but certain programs (such as iTunes) can't access it or work with the drive. In this case, attempt to update or uninstall/reinstall the program to get it working again. Be sure to read on the program's website for common issues, or search for error codes that may pop up during the failure. Sometimes a simple update within the program can get the drive working again.

Firmware Issue

Go to Toshiba's website and enter your model number. Check the drivers list for any update for your disc drive's firmware. If there is a newer one, download and install it. Firmware is a sort of coding for the physical device that may fix prior issues and potentially introduce new features to a device. Be sure to stay up to date on all device firmware.

Workaround

If everything is failing and you cannot find a fix, and you don't feel like breaking out the toolbox and doing some computer repair, you can purchase an external disc drive for under $50 from most retail stores, or find it online for a similar price. You plug them in to the USB slots on the side of your laptop to have all the functionality an internal drive would provide.

References

Writer Bio