How to Locate, and Download DVD Drivers

Have you recently installed a DVD drive into your computer, only to find your computer won't recognize it?  Maybe Windows delivered a "DVD drivers" error message.

Or maybe you recently updated some hardware or software and now your computer won't recognize the DVD you've been using forever.  Again, you may have received a "missing DVD driver" error message. 

Even if you didn't, missing drivers are likely the culprit.  These small but vital programs let your player "talk" to your computer, as well as tell your computer how they should interact with your hardware.  When this software is missing, it can make your player virtually useless.

How to Locate DVD Drivers

If you haven't received a definite error message about your drivers, it's still wise to check and see if they are the problem (especially if you receive an "Unknown Device" error message).  You can do this using the Windows Device Manager.  Here is how:

Windows XP and earlier: Go to Control Panel.  Double-Click on "System," then select the "Hardware" tab.  Then, click the button labeled "Device Manager".

Windows Vista & 7: Open the Control Panel.  The Device Manager will have its own icon.  Double-click the icon.

Find "CD/DVD-ROM Drives" and click the "+" to the left.  This will show you all the DVD drives your computer recognizes.  If you see an exclamation point, question mark, or yellow triangle, you probably need to update your DVD drivers.

If on the other hand, your Device Manager is not showing any DVD-ROM drives at all (or shows "Unknown Device"), you definitely need to download and install a driver! 

If your device is showing up, select it with the mouse and right-click.  Click "Properties" from the menu box.  This should show you the exact brand, make, and model of your DVD.

If your DVD is not showing up on the device manager, you will need to look at the packaging or the DVD player itself. 

You will need to search the manufacturer's site for a driver download for your specific device.  You may also be able to find useful information or downloads at the Microsoft Windows update site.

Once you have the driver you need, install it by double-clicking on the file and following the installation instructions.

Updating Your DVD Driver

Go to your Device Manager and right-click on your DVD player, and then select "Properties".  Click on the driver tab and then click the "Update Driver" button.  This will update it to the newest available driver for your DVD drive. 

Keep in mind that after installing or updating this important software, you will need to restart your computer to activate your new DVD drivers.