A DVD drive is a computer component that uses a laser to read data from DVDs, with many models also able to write to recordable discs.
If you’ve wondered what a DVD drive actually does, the short answer is that it’s the hardware your computer uses to access DVD media. The drive reads the microscopic pits on a disc’s surface with a laser, translating them into the files, video, or software you want. While a standalone DVD player hooks up to your TV, a DVD drive lives inside a desktop PC, laptop, or in a small external case connected by USB.
What a DVD Drive Does With Your Discs
DVD drives read optical media, and writer models also burn data onto blank discs. The core functions cover three everyday jobs: playing video, installing software, and backing up files. Many drives handle CDs as well, so you can rip an old audio CD or load legacy drivers.
Read-only models, labeled DVD-ROM, only access data. Writer models, labeled DVD±RW, can also record to blank DVD-R, DVD+R, and rewritable discs like DVD-RW. Digital Versatile Discs store 4.7 GB on a standard single layer, while dual-layer discs hold about 8.5 GB.
Internal, External, and Built-In Drive Options
Desktop towers often have a bay for an internal drive that connects with a SATA cable. Laptops historically had slim internal drives, but many current models omit them entirely. That’s why external USB drives have become the common solution for most people.
External drives plug in through USB and work with desktops and laptops alike. Some are bus-powered and draw everything they need from the USB port. Others use a Y-cable or an external power adapter. Typical external models offer USB 2.0 connections, 8x DVD read speeds, and 24x CD reads, with write speeds of 8x for DVD±R and 6x for dual-layer discs.
Read and write speeds tell you how fast data moves. The base 1X DVD rate transfers about 1.3 MB per second. A drive spinning at 16X moves data at roughly 21 MB per second, which is why higher speeds noticeably shorten wait times when ripping or burning.
If you’re weighing whether an external drive is worth adding, our roundup of top-rated DVD drives compares current models side by side to help you pick.
What You Need for Playback and Burning
Connect the drive, insert a disc, and open it with media software. The drive itself only reads the disc; playback software on your computer handles the video decoding. For burning, disc-burning software writes your files onto blank media like DVD-R or DVD+R.
Check a few things before you buy. Operating system compatibility matters, especially if you use macOS or Linux—some drives only list Windows support. Dual-layer, DVD-RAM, and M-DISC support vary by model, so confirm the drive handles the media you plan to use. Scratched or warped discs can also fail to read or burn reliably, regardless of the drive.
| Drive Type | Reads | Writes |
|---|---|---|
| DVD-ROM | DVD, CD | None—read-only |
| DVD±RW writer | DVD, CD | DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, CD-R |
| Multi-format writer | DVD, CD | Adds DVD-R DL, DVD+R DL, DVD-RAM, M-DISC |
Common DVD Drive Confusion
People often mix up a DVD drive with a DVD player, but they’re different tools. A drive is computer hardware; a player is a standalone appliance you connect to a television. Not every drive can write discs either, and support for dual-layer media varies. A read-only external drive works fine for watching movies or loading software, but you’ll need a writer for backups.
One thing worth noting: some external drives include playback software, but commercial movies may require codec or licensing support that isn’t always included. The drive always reads the disc; the rest depends on your software setup.
FAQs
Can I play DVDs on a computer without a DVD drive?
No, you need the hardware. A drive reads the physical disc, so a computer without one can’t access DVD media directly. An external USB drive is the practical workaround. If your laptop lacks a built-in drive, a plug-in model solves the problem without opening the case.
What does DVD-RAM do that other formats don’t?
Check the drive’s specs before buying DVD-RAM media.
Why won’t my computer play a DVD I just bought?
The most common causes are missing playback software, a missing codec, or a region mismatch. The drive itself reads the disc fine; the software on your computer handles decoding. Try a dedicated player like VLC, which bundles the needed codecs. A scratched or dirty disc can also cause failures.
References & Sources
- Dell. “Guide to Optical Disk Drives and Optical Discs.” Explains drive types, read/write capabilities, and disc format compatibility.