Im not sure if this is where this thread goes but, my computer hasnt been able to read DVDs that i put in my computer. Like i could put in a DVD+R or a DVD-R and nothing would happen. I also tried to burn things onto multiple DVD-Rs but it never worked. Does anyone know what happened and/or how i could fix this? Thanks

If this used to work but does not now try a System Restore to a point prior to the problem.

start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore

is there any other way?

That is the simplest first step. It is just a system restore. It is not reinstalling or anything.

It will restore your registry back to the day you choose.

Often it resolves problems easily. If it doesn't work we can try other things. It is the simplest first step.

but what if i dont remember the day it happened. all i know is that it has happened like 1 month- 2 months ago.

Well the next try would be to uninstall the drive and reboot. XP will re detect it as new and reload its' drivers.

Right click My Computer then click Manage then Device Manager.

Click the + next to DVD/CD-ROM drives and choose Uninstall. Then reboot.

If that doesn't help then uninstall and reinstall your DVD software.

i tried both but i still cant get a DVD to work

Do CD's work OK?

If so what exactly happens with a DVD?

Are they recognized by the computer?

it doesnt work with both. Like when i put a DVD or a CD in, and then i go to my computer, its not there.

If you feel comfortable editing the registry, here are some steps:

Click the Start button, click Run. In the Open box, type regedit and then click OK.
Click the plus sign (+) next to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
Click the plus sign (+) next to SYSTEM.
Click the plus sign (+) next to CurrentControlSet.
Click the plus sign (+) next to Control.
Click the plus sign (+) next to Class.
Click {4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}.

Once here click File in the upper left corner and choose: Export (this key)
Export to your Documents as a backup. If needed you can go back to this file and Import it back.

Then:

On the right hand side of the window, click UpperFilters.
Click Edit on the menu bar.
Click Delete, and then click OK.
On the right-hand side of the window, click LowerFilters.
Click Edit on the menu bar.
Click Delete, and then click OK.
Click File, and then click Exit. Restart the computer normally


Also check UDMA/PIO settings under your IDE channel in the Device Manager.

If set to DMA try changing to PIO.