one command that can function is

sudo lsusb

it would likst you connected usb devices; if your cd drive is listed there, depends on wether it is an usb-connected-dvd/cd/bluray-drive in the first place, of course; sometimes, one usb port may have gone bit loose and wont power the usb-drive enough, that could be an issue;
if it is sata drive, the command is another one, which dont have present; but sometimes, depending on distro, had also issues with DVD drive not showing up properly; but it could be also that the drive itself is bit faulty, which happens; i have a newer bluray drive now which i cherish quite; to me, it is still an essential part of computer.

for making camera visisble, think it depdens a bit on the firmware of the camera; but in principle, linux is a lot more flexible than say macos with cameras, and you should have no problem whatsoever pulling the pictures off it.

EDIT: now that you mention it, found that my bluray-drive is also not listed under "devices" which is a bit odd; however, when i put a media into it, the device suddenfly shows-up.
i use Mate Desktop atm; and the Caja File manager seems rather limited, or not so much updated since a  while (may be wrong about it; credits syy 1999-2009, 2011-2021) version 1.26.4)

Thunar file manager:
Devices should show up in the left side panel. I don't recall if I had to change any settings to get that. That would either be in Edit -> Preferences or View.