Hi metmike,

Refer the following link which has troubleshooting steps to isolate the issue:

http://dell.to/16y0CTh

Also, run Microsoft Fixit on the computer for the DVD drive from the below link:

http://bit.ly/ehUA8d

Awaiting your response!

Hello,

Here are the test results

Troubleshoot CD/DVD DrivesPublisher details

      Issues found
      Media in CD/DVD drive is not readable (HL-DT-ST DVD+-RW GT50N)Media in
      CD/DVD drive is not readable (HL-DT-ST DVD+-RW GT50N)
      The drive is empty or the media format is not supportedNot fixed
            Insert readable mediaSucceeded

      Issues checked
      Your CD/DVD class filter was not recognizedYour CD/DVD class filter was
      not recognized
      Your CD/DVD device may not be recognized when plugged into your computer.
      This problem may occur if upper and lower filters are being used in the
      registry.Checked
      Your CD/DVD device is not recognizedYour CD/DVD device is not recognized
      Your CD/DVD device may not be recognized when plugged into your computer.
      This problem may occur if upper and lower filters are being used in the
      registry.Checked
      Drive is disabled (HL-DT-ST DVD+-RW GT50N)Drive is disabled (HL-DT-ST
      DVD+-RW GT50N)
      The CD/DVD drive have been disabled in Device ManagerChecked
      Drive is not assigned a drive letterDrive is not assigned a drive letter
      The CD/DVD drive is not accessible via an assigned drive letterChecked

      Issues foundDetection details

            6Media in CD/DVD drive is not readable (HL-DT-ST DVD+-RW GT50N)Not
            fixed

      The drive is empty or the media format is not supported
                  Insert readable mediaSucceeded

            Insert a readable CD or DVD into the selected CD/DVD drive


      Issues checkedDetection details

            6Your CD/DVD class filter was not recognizedChecked

      Your CD/DVD device may not be recognized when plugged into your computer.
      This problem may occur if upper and lower filters are being used in the
      registry.
                  Remove upper and lower filters for CD/DVD devicesNot Run

            Removing upper and lower filters in the registry will fix this
            problem.

            6Your CD/DVD device is not recognizedChecked

      Your CD/DVD device may not be recognized when plugged into your computer.
      This problem may occur if upper and lower filters are being used in the
      registry.
                  Remove upper and lower filters for CD/DVD devicesNot Run

            Removing upper and lower filters in the registry will fix this
            problem.

            6Drive is disabled (HL-DT-ST DVD+-RW GT50N)Checked

      The CD/DVD drive have been disabled in Device Manager
                  Enable the deviceNot Run

            The device must be enabled before it can be used

            6Drive is not assigned a drive letterChecked

      The CD/DVD drive is not accessible via an assigned drive letter
                  Assign drive letterNot Run

            Assign drive letters to all drives that do not have drive letter


      Detection details

      Collection information
      Computer Name: TGMCLEOD
      Windows Version:6.1
      Architecture:amd64
      Time:Sunday, June 30, 2013 9:32:03 PM

      Publisher details

      Troubleshoot CD/DVD Drives
      This diagnostic identifies and resolves common problems that may prevent
      you from reading and writing CDs/DVDs
      Package Version:2.3.2.20120606
      Publisher:Microsoft Corporation

Hi metmike,

We need to replace the DVD drive on the computer.

If the computer has active warranty I shall go ahead and arrange for a service.

Check warranty status: http://dell.to/10pMa86

Kindly private message me the service tag of the computer. To private message the service tag click my User name and click Start conversation.

Awaiting your response!

The warranty expired last November so it looks like buying a new drive an having me install it is the only option.

Hi metmike,

As the warranty has expired, I recommend contacting Dell expired warranty services for replacement parts.

Dell Expired warranty services (US): http://dell.to/1bMx5me

Awaiting your response!

Hi Rajesh,

Apparently my daughter's N5040 laptop is having the same problem as above.  We ran the troubleshooting and got the same "troubleshooting report" as the one shown above.  Windows says the driver is current, so what might our next step.  The DVD hasn't worked in 3 months so we are lost

Service tag is <ADMIN NOTE: Service tag removed as per privacy policy>, have any suggestions???

Thanks