Some popular optical disc drive makers includeLG,ASUS, Memorex, andNEC.

The front has a small Open/Close button that ejects and retracts the drive bay door.

This is how media like CDs, DVDs, and BDs are inserted into and removed from the drive.

Picture of an Asus 24x DVD-RW Serial-ATA Internal OEM Optical Drive DRW-24B1ST

An optical drive that’s meant to be installed inside the computer.Asus

The sides have pre-drilled, threaded holes for easy mounting in the 5.25-inch drive bay in thecomputer case.

The back end of the optical drive contains a port for a cable that connects to themotherboard.

Also here is a connection for power from thepower supply.

Alternatively, an external optical drive may be a self-contained unit that connects to a computer via aUSBcable.

Optical Disc Drive Media Formats

Most optical drives can play and/or record numerous disc formats.

Be sure to reference your optical drive’s manual before purchasing media for your drive to avoid incompatibility issues.

Fortunately, there are some workarounds for you.

The first solution might be to use another computer that does have an optical disc drive.