This article provides a table of drive and media compatibility for various CD and DVD formats.

A Yes in a box indicates that the drive in the left-most column is able to read the media listed across the top row. Where indicated with R/W, the drive can read and write to that media.

1. Early CD-ROM drives will not read the CD-RW discs because the color of those discs is darker and the laser is not able to read them. Most 24x and higher CD-ROM drives can typically read a CD-RW disc. Refer to the original manufacturer of the drive for full compatibility information.

2. If the DVD-ROM drive is 3rd generation manufactured by MKE and Hitachi, it can read DVD-RAM discs when removed from the cartridge.