[Solved] How to Fix PCSX2 PlayStation 2 Emulator Black Screen Error “CDVD READ ERROR”

The Black Screen Error “CDVD READ ERROR” happens in the PCSX2 PlayStation 2 emulator when playing multiple games and with several different configurators of this emulator. The error message can only be visible in the program log. Follow the below resolution methods to fix this error.

Content Summary

Solution 1: Reinstall PCSX2 version 1.4.0
Solution 2: Enable Direct3D9 (Hardware) Renderer
Solution 3: Use ISO instead of the actual DVD
Solution 4: Enable Direct3D11 (Hardware) Renderer

Solution 1: Reinstall PCSX2 version 1.4.0

Step 1: Press Windows key + R to open Run box.

Step 2: Type appwiz.cpl and press Enter to open the Programs and Features menu.

Step 3: Scroll down through the list of installed applications and locate PCSX2 installation, right-click on it and choose Uninstall from the context menu.

Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process, then restart your computer.

Step 5: Download the latest stable release of PCSX2 1.4.0 Standalone Installer.

Step 6: Double-click on the installation executable and follow the on-screen instruction to complete the installation process.

Step 7: Proceed with the DirectX Runtime installation if prompted to do so.

Step 8: Restart your PC.

Solution 2: Enable Direct3D9 (Hardware) Renderer

Step 1: Open PCSX2 Emulator and load PS2 BIOS when asked to do so.

Step 2: Use the menu bar at the top to access Config > Video (GS) > Plugin Settings.

Step 3: Expand the Renderer drop-down menu and set it to Direct3D9 (Hardware), then click OK button to save the changes. If the Renderer is already set to Direct3D9 (Hardware), then change it to Direct3D9 (Software) and click OK button to save the changes.

Step 4: Restart PCSX2 1.4 and launch the game again.

Solution 3: Use ISO instead of the actual DVD

Step 1: Download and install ImgBurn. Restart your PC after ImgBurn installation.

Step 2: Open Imageburn and click on Create image file from disc button from the list of available options.

Step 3: Choose a destination where you want to create the ISO and start the process.

Step 4: Open the PCSX2 emulator.

Step 5: Select CDVD from the menu bar and choose ISO.

Step 6: Go to CDVD > ISO Selector > Browse, browse to the ISO created previously using ImageBurn and double-click to load it.

Step 7: Go to the System and choose Boot CDVD (full) from the drop-down menu.

Solution 4: Enable Direct3D11 (Hardware) Renderer

Step 1: Open the PCSX2 emulator.

Step 2: Go to Config > Video(GS) > Plugin Settings.

Step 3: Expand the Renderer drop-down menu and set it to Direct3D11 (Hardware). Click the OK button to save the changes.

Step 4: Restart the PCSX2 emulator and launch the game again.