Surface Pro 8 unable to register an external disc reader; no DVD/CD-ROM Drive to update

foster201 0 Reputation points
2026-08-10T13:03:39.82+00:00

I'm using a Surface Pro 8, updated to Windows 11.

I purchased an external Blu-Ray/DVD reader so I could watch discs on my computer. However, when I plug the external Blu-Ray reader into my computer, it doesn't register at all. It doesn't appear under my "Drives and Devices" as an option at all.

*I tried multiple ports, and it did not solve the problem.

*I plugged in other devices, and they did appear in the "Drives and Devices".

I've seen it suggested online that those in my situation should update the DVD/CD-ROM drive. However, I went to my Device Manager, and there is no "DVD/CD-ROM drive" listed at all.

I'm at a loss. Any advice or insight is welcome. Thank you.

Surface | Surface Pro | Install and update
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  1. Alex-L 11,910 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-08-11T06:47:23.82+00:00

    Hi foster201

    The fact that no DVD/CD-ROM category appears in Device Manager is normal if Windows is not detecting the external drive at all. Updating a DVD/CD-ROM driver is unlikely to help until the device is actually recognized.

    Some things to check:

    Open Device Manager and look for:

    • Unknown devices
    • Devices with a yellow warning icon
    • Universal Serial Bus controllers for any USB device errors

    Try the drive with:

    • A different USB cable (if removable)
    • A powered USB hub (some optical drives require more power than a Surface USB port can provide)
    • Another PC to confirm the drive itself is working

    In Device Manager, select View > Show hidden devices and see whether the drive appears under any category.

    Open Disk Management (diskmgmt.msc) and check whether the drive appears there even if it is not shown in File Explorer.

    If the drive is not visible in Device Manager, Disk Management, or another PC, the issue is likely with the drive, cable, or power requirements rather than Windows.

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