Reinstalled windows, can't read CD-Rs

[What happened?]

I reinstalled Windows XP home edition recently, but now my CD-RW/DVD drive won't read CD-Rs, where I have all my backup files.

The drive can read audio CDs, professionally-made CD-roms, and even DVDs, but it won't read CD-R's for some reason, and I never had that problem before reinstalling windows. Device manager claims the drivers are up-to-date and working properly, but when I put in a CD-R, the light on the disc drive blinks a little as it spins, then stops and clicking on the drive reveals nothing, as if the drive is empty. I tried cleaning out the upper and lower filters, but it didn't help. I really don't think my drive is physically damaged.

I apologize if this is answered elsewhere on this site, but I'm having trouble finding a fix for my specific problem, in which a CD-RW drive will read all formats accept CD-R after Windows XP reinstallation. Please help! I need to be able to read my backups in order to get back at least SOME of the files and programs I lost!

Please let me know if I need to provide more information.

Thank you very much!

[What happened?]

never mind, I think I fixed it by doing the setup from the OS disc.

I'll let you know if anything else comes up, otherwise sorry for the interruption.

[MCAN]

I have the same problem. I reinstalled XP a couple months back and it was just recently that my drive stopped reading CD-Rs and any other data disc I have burned.

What did you do to fix it?

[What happened?]

Hi MCAN,

I'm sorry, I completely forgot about this website until I got a reminder notice in my e-mail about my 3-year-old post!

Anyway, I ended up getting an external DVD-RW drive. That can read everything fine (alhough it makes a lot of fan noise when I try to play audio CDs with it). My computer that had the problem is a Compaq Presario laptop, and I'm pretty sure it was a mechanical problem with the internal CD drive because it's one of those types where the whole apparatus slides out and gets exposed to the elements. It basically can't read anything anymore.

I wouldn't be able to tell you if the problem you have is mechanical or software related, but it sounds like it could possibly just be dust on the CD lens or mirror. Sometimes this can be improved by carefully cleaning the lens with alcohol, but please don't take my word for it. I would recommend asking around some more in related threads or doing some more web searching first. If you have an active service plan from a retailer, they will often clean lenses for free. Sorry I couldn't be of more help. Best of luck in finding a solution to your problem!