Unless your drive is a DVD drive or a DVD combo drive, a drive capable of reading multiple disc formats including DVDs, it cannot read DVD discs. Also, realize that although you may have a drive capable of reading CD-ROM, CD-RW, and CD-R discs, it still may be unable to read DVD discs. However, a DVD+R or DVD+RW drive is also capable of reading DVD discs.

If you are still uncertain about your drive’s capabilities, sometimes examining the front of the device or the drive’s documentation can provide additional information.

Finally, if you still can’t detect your drive’s capabilities, we recommend you contact your computer manufacturer or your CD drive manufacturer for additional information.

  • How to find what computer CD or disc drive I have.
  • See our CD-R, CD-ROM, CD-RW, and DVD definitions for further information.
  • CD-ROM help and support.
  • Computer CD-R and CD-RW help and support.