New virtual machine cannot see host DVD rom

[cnusskern]

I have installed VMware ESX 3i 3.5.0 Build 123629 on a new Dell PowerEdge 2900 and have started the process of adding new virtual machines. The issus is that when I start the VM and attempt to intsall the guest OS the VM does not see the DVD even though it is setup in the VM. When I go into the settings of the VM and try to setup DVD to use Host device I get the message that no devices are available. Help...

[weinstein5]

See on the right hand side of your image - make sure you check the box marked Connect at Power On

If you find this or any other answer useful please consider awarding points by marking the answer correct or helpful

[cnusskern]

Thanks for the advice, but when I change the setting and start the VM the DVD option is gone. Is there something else I am missing? Also I think the DVD drive is SATA, there is an issue with VMs and SATA devices?

[khughes · Accepted solution]

SATA has always been a little flakey when it comes to ESX. You might need to upgrade your BIOS or make some small changes within the BIOS for it to see the drive. A quick solution might be to create an ISO of the DVD you're looking to use and upload it to your datastore to use until you get the issue resolved.

• Kyle