If the drive does show up in Windows, it's probably not a registry problem, and more likely a problem with the drive itself. In the computer management console, in device manager, you should see the drive listed under DVD/CD-ROM drives. Right-click the listed drive (in device manager), and click Uninstall, then click OK. Reboot the computer, and Windows should reinstall it. If it works then, you are good to go. Otherwise, I would suggest replacing the drive. The easiest replacement is an external USB CD/DVDRW drive. There are plenty of options on Amazon or at your local computer store. Good luck.
