Gaming Windows 7 not reading CDs/DVDs

[Lokao0]

So here I am again with another issue (Yay!.... not)
This time the problem is with Windows 7.
Some time ago, Windows 7 was reading and burning all types of CDs, DVDs, Dual Layers, etc
However, recently I downloaded some GC games and went to burn then, only to discover that Windows 7 doesn't even "notice" there is a CD/DVD there.
I already tried a CD fixer and even Fix It by Microsoft. I tried deactivating the DVD driver and then activating back again, but it still doesn't read the CD/DVD.
Even if I put, for example, a original music CD, it won't alert me that it has been inserted. If I go to "My Computer" then click twice on the DVD, it will open the disc thing and tell me there is no CD/DVD inserted.
What happened? Help me Please!

 

[xmrnogatcox]

If you're familiar with the Windows registry, you should try to delete your Upper/Lower filters.

Here is an article explaining how to do it:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929461

Once you delete the two registry values, reboot the machine and you might have your problem fixed.

Good luck!

 

[Lokao0]

There are no Upper/Lower Filters... Is that bad? How do I recover them?

 

[xmrnogatcox]

There are no Upper/Lower Filters... Is that bad? How do I recover them?

Double check the registry path. You should have the filters.

Go into your device manager and check your CD/DVD device and see if you have any yellow exclamation points.

EDIT:
In a last-ditch effort, a System Restore should take care of the issue.

 

[Lokao0]

No. The filters aren't there.

A System Restore? I'll try it.
Thanks for helping... if it works, I'll say it here...

 

[Originality]

It's common for the DVD burning laser to burn out the lense (which means reading won't work, as per your symptoms). This is especially common with "slimline" DVD drives (for laptops), but also happens with desktop DVD drives.

 

[Lokao0]

I used System Restore and now it's working perfectly... Thanks so much for helping me, guys

 

[xmrnogatcox]

Not a problem. Glad it works now.

 

[Lokao0]

And it started again. Win7 won't read discs. It's not even finding it. Same problem as before.
I bough an "EasyCAP" and I need the CD to install the software. Without it, there's no way I can record.
Help me again, please!
I already tried System Restore.

 

[Rydian]

If it recognizes the drive but not the disc, then it's not the filters issue (that's if the drive itself vanishes).

Does it work under a new user account?