DVD-ROM drive will not read a DVD R?

[cem1701]

I got a DVD R (I assume as it is homemade) from someone in the mail today. It plays fine in my standalone DVD player, but the DVD-ROM drive in my computer will not read it. It just looks like there is no disc in the drive when you try to open it.

I put it in my CD-RW drive and it went nuts grinding.

I want to rip the DVD-R to VCD. I am very proficient in regular DVD to VCD, but this is new to me.

Please help.

Thank you,

Carl

[MOVIEGEEK]

Have you updated the firmware lately?
www.rpc1.org

If that doesn't help try IsoBuster

[cem1701]

What is firmware? And how do I know which one to use?

[MOVIEGEEK]

What is firmware? And how do I know which one to use?

It's software for your drives,look up the make and model of your DVD-ROM in Device Manager or use Nero InfoTool.

[steveryan]

Firmware can make your drive region free, remove limits on ripping speeds, make it compatable with more media etc.. Find your drive on that site and see if there is any firmware available for it, your drive may not be compatable with DVD-R or DVD+R, or just DVD-R or just DVD+R...who knows?

[johns0]

Another thing is the dvd-rom drive cant read the dvd cause its not a good burn but the home dvd player can read it.

[888888]

I have seen several DVD-ROM drives refuse to recognize DVD+R/Ws and even DVD-RWs (but DVD-Rs are fine). Bitsetting may help.

[cem1701]

Ok, I downloaded and ran NeroInfoTool. My drive is DVD-R compliant, but it is not + or - compatible which stinks. I looked up the firmware, but when reading about it I got a little wary as it says it can crew up your drive permantly.

OK... a few questions...

1) what are the odds of the firmware allowing me to read DVD + media?

2) is this going to screw up my DVD drive? I have a fairly new good PC but the DVD drive is older...it is a Compaq GD 5000

THAN

[MOVIEGEEK]

A:
1.If the drive is a -R only writer then not likely.
2.Possible but not likely if you use the manufacturer firmware and disable DMA(read my guide below).
Another possibility is that the DVD is DVD-RAM which very few DVD-ROM's can read.
BTW...what is the make and model of your drive?