Error Code 31: DVD drive not working properly

[Lord]

"This device is not working properly because Windows cannot load the drivers required for this device. (Code 31)"

I got the above message when I inserted a CD into my DVD drive. It was working properly until yesterday. What should be the reason for this error then? I researched a lot for this on internet, everywhere it said to update the driver. I have downloaded, uninstalled and re-installed each and every driver but still no go. I am on Windows Vista Home Premium. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[mv]

Update the driver

You may be prompted to provide the path of the driver. Windows may have the driver built-in, or may still have the driver files installed from the last time that you set up the device. However, sometimes, it will open the New Hardware Wizard which may ask for the driver. If you are asked for the driver and you do not have it, you can try to download the latest driver from the hardware vendor’s Web site.

In the device Properties dialog box, click the Driver tab, and then click Update Driver to start the Hardware Update Wizard. Follow the instructions to update the driver.

[Howitzer]

Seems to be some hardware conflict such as a NIC or other device. Try removing devices till you get it working.

[Nihir]

This problem is caused by two Windows registry entries that have become corrupted.

Step 1: Start Registry Editor (Start - Run - type "regedit")
Step 2: Delete the UpperFilters registry entry

1. In Registry Editor, expand My Computer, and then expand HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
2. Expand SYSTEM, and then expand CurrentControlSet.
3. Expand Control, and then expand Class.
4. Under Class, click {4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}.
5. In the details pane of Registry Editor, on the right side, click UpperFilters.

Note: You may also see an UpperFilters.bak registry entry. You do not have to remove that entry.

6. On the Edit menu, click Delete.
7. Click Yes to confirm delete.

Step 3: Delete the LowerFilters registry entry

1. In the details pane of Registry Editor, on the right side, click LowerFilters.

Note: You might see a LowerFilters.bak registry entry. You do not have to remove that entry.

2. On the Edit menu, click Delete.
3. Click Yes to confirm delete.
4. Exit Registry Editor.

Step 4: Restart your computer