Q: I put in this older cd- a textbook- but it doesn't show up. So I go to open it manually, and it's not there. Not only is not under my computer, but there appears to be no "D:" drive whatsoever. Little help here? I do have a cd reader slot thingy in my computer, but it's like the computer doesn't realize it's there.
A: Two things could have happened here. First your drive could have come unplugged. This happens from vibrations caused by the Hard Drive spinning, the CD drive itself spinning, or knocking into the case can do it as well. Unplug the power cord, open the case, and take a look. Do NOT do this on carpet, and do NOT touch any components without first grounding yourself. An electrostatic discharge as small as 10V can destroy your system, and you wouldn't even feel it. After you are grounded, plug the wires in firmly. If the drive still doesn't work, its most likely dead. Just buy a new drive. Easy as pie. Hope that helps.