Help Husband some how erased DVD/CD-ROM drive

[Not Comp Savvy]

Hi my husband some how lost the DVD/CD-ROM drive on our computer now nothing plays in it. I asked my husband to uninstall my Windows Office 2003 and reinstall and somw how the dvd/cd-rom drive was lost can any one help me. My computer is about 3 years old we brought it brand new.

[Harshal]

Use Device Manager to determine if Windows is recognizing the drive:

In Windows XP, click Start , and right-click My Computer .
In Windows 98 and Me, right-click the My Computer icon on the desktop.
In Windows XP, select Properties , click the Hardware tab, and then click the Device Manager button.
In Windows 98 and Me, select Properties , and click the Device Manager tab.
Click the plus sign ( + ) next to DVD/CD-ROM Drives (or similar) category.
If the CD or DVD drive name is missing , the drive is not being detected by Windows. Close Device Manager and skip to the section CD or DVD drive is not recognized by Windows .

[Not Comp Savvy]

When I went there this is what is displayed:
HL-DT-ST DVD RW GWA-4082N
Windows cannot start this hardware device because its configuration info(in the registry) is incomplete or damaged (Code 19)
Can this be fixed I'm a college and I need to get the windows reinstalled so that I can do my homework. Please help.

[BoBraxton]

I assume your Windows is XP Home.
Is the laptop a Dell? Inspiron? exact model and manufacturer
HP Compaq?
Sony VAIO? etc.

[Not Comp Savvy]

The laptop is Gateway Model number W730-K8X. Yes it is Windows XP home.

[morpheus29]

here's a suggestion go to this link http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314060
this should be straight forward and will guide you step by step to fix this