DVD Rewriter - not reading DVD's

[kwil]

Hi..I'm running an MSI-DR8A dual format Rewriter in XP Home (SP2) which has just started acting up after giving zero problems. I use Roxio's Easy CD Creator for burning.
When I insert DVD film etc, PowerDVD software is normally engaged automatically.
However, this has stopped happening...the green light comes on for a while (presumably reading the disc), then goes out.
I've tried cleaning the laser but this doesn't help.
The drive plays CD-R's and CD-RW's and records to these formats...so CD music is clearly being picked up.
My system is kept very clean and after running a number of precautionary checks for adware/malware etc, nothing seems amiss...
I've also tried disabling the drive through Device Manager, then re-enabling...but no luck.
Is the drive's laser at fault? I've checked for firmware from MSI and have downloaded a zip file...but I'm a bit reluctant to 'flash' an update...The instructions for doing so from MSI leave me scratching my head...
I'd appreciate any help
Many thanks

[redwudz]

Well, DVD burners do wear out or break. If you get nowhere, you might try the firmware upgrade. But those are usually to speed up reading or to enable writing to newer brand discs or just to enable all regions.

Typically a DVD laser and a CD laser are separate in a DVD drive. One can quit and the other still work. You've tried cleaning, that is the first thing to try. If the problem still exists with commercial DVDs, you may have a problem.

Don't give up just yet, but a failing drive is one possibility. With the prices of burners at present, I would at least think about changing out the unit.

[Krispy Kritter]

Have your checked windows explorer or my computer after a disc is inserted to verify if Windows is seeing the disc? If windows does still see the disc, then you just need to troubleshoot PowerDVD.