Can't Play Commercial DVDs??

[PreciousGem_22]

Hi,
I'm hoping someone can help me out. I have a Lite-On SOHW-1693s dvd writer which I used to be able to play all types of dvds on. I haven't used my computer to play dvds in a long time and have since restored my computer to factory condition due to a massive virus infection. Today I decided it was time to backup my dvd collection due to my nephew's need to break everything he sees but when I insert a commercial dvd it won't play. The arrow and disc icon will pop up and the dvd tries to load but then it just stops. When I go to my computer and click on my writer it says to insert a disc like there's nothing there . The odd thing is that it will load and play burned dvds or dvds I've recorded from my dvd recorder. I have PowerDvd installed on my computer as well as VLC media player but neither one sees the dvd. I really confused am I missing something or is it just time to break down and buy a new dvd writer? TIA

[MOVIEGEEK]

Pressed DVD's are encrypted, you need DVDFab Decrypter.

[minidv2dvd]

you don't need dvdfab to play a retail dvd only to copy it. if it plays a burned disc it should also play a retail one. check that the region code of the dvd drive is set to the usa - region 1.

right click on the drive/properties/hardware select the drive and click properties at the bottom. click on the region tab.

if that doesn't work maybe do a search for removing the upper and lower drive filters in the registry.

[JohnnyBob]

Assuming you've got an IDE system...
Open your Device Manager. Remove the IDE controllers and DVD/CD drives, then reboot and let Windows reinstall them.

[budz]

Or you could buy a new IDE cable.....Or your dvd burner is dying since you do have a old model....

[PreciousGem_22]

Thanks everyone for the quick replies.
I tried DVDFAB an uninstalling my IDE controllers as well as the dvd burner itself but it didn't help. I've been going through my families dvd collection just to see if maybe it's just some dvds that won't play. I inserted my Final Destination 2 two-side disc and after a few spins it began to play. A pop up comes up asking if I want to install InterActual player. I did install it just to see if it would help play my other dvds but it didn't so I just uninstalled. I also tried one of my nephew's Leapfrog learning dvds and that played. The only difference I can see between the two dvds is that the leapfrog dvd states it's file system as CDFS and final destinations is UDF. This all makes me think that there is some kind of software I'm missing . If it helps I am running WinXP SP2

[minidv2dvd]

you might want to read the wiki article about the interactual player, it was a nasty rootkit at one point.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/InterActual_Player

dvds are written in iso/udf bridge format so they can be played on both computers and standalones. most likely it's not software missing, especially if some retail dvds play.

[budz]

If it helps I am running WinXP SP2

update to sp3....but it seems to me your drive is dying buy a new one.