OK did a Windows logo key -R. entered regedit.
Went to HKEY_Local_Machine\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\atapi
Under it I created a folder called 'Controller0'
In Controller0 I did a 'New' (left click) and typed in 'EnumDevice1' as 'RegDWORD' and modified it to binary '1' in hex.
Exit regedit and restart computer
After the restart, I can now see the CD/DVD in device manager.
Now I can try to reload the device drivers.
This did work for me. The '?' has left my USB devices, thumbnail, nook, ipod, etc. The device manager now confirms I have a working CD/DVD but I stuck in a game and was able to start it, :) My Pc now shows the device as well, it didn't before. Hope it works for you because I have spent days trying to get this thing back again.
@Psycogeek I do not see any upper or lower filter in my registry. – TN. – 2015-08-07T05:26:16.973
That is it, all ok. (removing comment) As a side , one thing that shows different here (win7) is (default) has a name "DVD/CD-ROM drives" I could not believe that changes anything at all. What port on the motherboard is it connected to? whos controller? – Psycogeek – 2015-08-07T05:43:28.187
@Psycogeek I do not know the physical connection, it's a Toshiba laptop with warranty. Maybe the Device Manager connection will help. – TN. – 2015-08-07T05:49:07.823