If a computer powers on but the operating system does not load, which component should be checked first?

Correct answer: Bootable storage drive

The governing concept is the boot process. After power-on checks, the computer must locate boot files on a storage device and load the operating system. Therefore, the bootable storage drive and, where relevant, its boot order should be checked first, making option B correct. A speaker, webcam, or printer may affect peripheral functions, but none normally contains or loads the operating system.