A DVD drive is an optical disc drive that reads and writes DVDs using a laser, and most models also handle CDs for installing software, playing media, or backing up files.
If you own an older desktop or laptop, or you plug in a thin external USB drive, that’s a DVD drive. These drives are part of the broader optical disc family that began with CDs and expanded to DVDs in 1996. They work by shining a laser onto the disc’s reflective surface and reading the bumps and pits that encode the data. Write-capable models — called DVD writers or burners — can also record data onto blank discs. Modern computers often skip the built-in optical drive to save space, so external DVD drives are now the common way to access physical media.
What a DVD Drive Does and the Formats It Supports
A DVD drive reads data from DVD discs. A standard single-layer DVD holds 4.7 GB of data, far more than a CD’s 700 MB capacity. Most DVD drives also read and write CDs, making them versatile for older software discs and audio CDs. Whether your drive can write as well as read depends on the specific model: DVD-ROM drives are read-only, while DVD writers can burn data to recordable discs.
The category includes three main drive types:
- DVD-ROM drive — reads discs only, no recording ability.
- DVD writer / burner — reads and writes both CDs and DVDs.
- CD/DVD drive — a general term for an optical drive that handles both CD and DVD media.
Not all DVD drives read Blu-ray discs — that requires a separate Blu-ray drive. And a write-capable drive does not automatically support every DVD recordable format; check your drive’s specifications against the disc type you plan to use.
Where You Find a DVD Drive in a Computer
Desktop computers often have an internal DVD drive installed in a 5.25-inch drive bay, connecting via SATA cable. Laptops that include one typically use a slim internal tray. But many newer computers — especially ultrabooks and compact desktops — omit the optical drive entirely. In that case, you add a DVD drive as an external USB device that plugs into any free port.
You can quickly check whether your computer has a DVD drive by looking at the front of the case for a rectangular tray or slot. On Windows, open File Explorer and look under “This PC” for a drive listed as the DVD or CD drive. If nothing appears, the computer has no installed disc drive.
To open a DVD drive tray normally, press the physical eject button on the drive itself. If that fails, right-click the drive icon in File Explorer and select “Eject.” For a truly stuck tray, find the tiny pinhole on the front of the drive — insert a straightened paperclip gently to pop the tray open manually.
Common Mistakes People Make
People often confuse a DVD drive with a DVD player. A computer drive needs compatible playback software — like VLC or Windows Media Player — to actually play video. The drive itself only reads the raw data; the software decodes it into video and sound.
Another common assumption is that every optical drive reads Blu-ray discs. DVD drives are a narrower category; a plain DVD drive reads DVD and CD formats only. And while many people think all modern computers come with a disc drive, the opposite is true — laptops and desktops sold today often skip it, making an external drive the practical solution.
Who Should Use an External DVD Drive
If your laptop has no built-in optical drive but you still rely on physical software installers, movie discs, or music CDs, an external USB DVD drive is the answer. These drives are compact, plug-and-play, and work with both Windows and macOS computers. They draw power from the USB port itself on most models, though some larger drives may need an external power adapter.
For anyone who needs to read or write DVDs regularly — copying home movies, installing legacy software, or burning backup discs — an external DVD writer is a reliable addition to an otherwise drive-less computer. If you’re ready to buy one, check out our tested recommendations here: best DVD drives for reliability and value.
FAQs
Can a DVD drive read Blu-ray discs?
No, a standard DVD drive reads DVDs and CDs only. Blu-ray discs use a different laser wavelength and require a specialized Blu-ray drive.
What’s the difference between a DVD-ROM and a DVD writer?
A DVD-ROM drive can only read discs; a DVD writer (also called a burner) can both read and write data to recordable DVD and CD media.
Do I need software to play a movie on a DVD drive?
Yes. The drive reads the raw data, but you need playback software — like VLC Media Player or Windows Media Player — to decode and display the video.
References & Sources
- Dell. “Guide to Optical Disc Drives and Optical Discs” Defines optical drive function and typical use.
- PCMag. “CD/DVD Drive” Explains how a CD/DVD drive reads and writes common formats.
- Wikipedia. “DVD” Provides capacity, format history, and disc specifications.
Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.