CD-ROM Not Detected By System, I Can't Find Anywhere

[pondmanhank]

My e:\ cd-rom/dvd/dvr,etc drive suddenly is totally gone - not showing anywhere ie: computer; device mgr; system info, etc. I have looked everywhere but can't find it. I have backup disks but no way to run them. How would one open the disk tray manually?

I ran SFC a few days ago to try fixing something else but didn't notice if the e:\ was missing before/after then or not. I am about to run SFC again but don't know if it can fix this or not.

I also ran system restore for 5 days ago (timing just a guess). I may try to run it again for as far back as possible. Would system restore be able to fix if old enough (answer for future reference)?

Is there any way to restore this drive? I have looked for help but can only find how to reinstall drivers. I would really appreciate help.

Thx in advance if you can help - Hank