DVD not reading DVDs

[S-Gray]

Says it all really... when i try to watch a DVD on my PC i get the error "Windows cannot read from disk. The disk might be corrupted, or it could be using a format that is not compatible with Windows". I put the DVDs into another drive but it comes up blank but i know for a fact the DVD works because i seen it on another computer.

Im on WinXP and i do believe there is some "issues" surrounding DVDs working on some DVD-Roms...

My dvd is a "Matshita SR-8584A" seems to be a pretty old one but for the moment its fine.

Anyone share some light on it?

 

[Jonty]

Hi Super_Gray[SG]

What kind of DVD is it? This is just a guess, but if it's been burnt by a friend etc., then there's a chance your drive may not be able to read the format in which it has been written. You may want to try and download a firmwire upgrade for the drive if there's one available which adds support for the variety of writable DVD formats now available.

If the DVD hasn't been burnt, and is genuine audio/video/data disk, then let me know and I'll have a rethink.

Kind Regards

 

[Scooba Da Bass]

If it's doing it on normal dvds (not burnt) could be a dirty lense, try using a lense cleaner.

 

[S-Gray]

It seems to not have many problems working on originals i thnk, well it worked last time i played a few, but i was handed over some other sources which worked on another dvd..

 

[Jonty]

Hi Super_Gray[SG]

Well, if I read your post right, the originals work on your drive, right? This would indicate that the drive itself is fine, as is Windows. The problem would thus seem to rest with the format in which the copies are produced. If I was being nasty, I'd say it serves you right But I'm not like that (well, I hope not), and I'll assume that your copies are legal. In which case, go to the manufacturer's website, or search Google etc, and try and get the latest firmwire upgrade for your drive. With a bit of luck this should add support for the latest writable DVD standards (if you have the manual handy, check what formats the drive is supposed to read). Be very careful before installing any updates, though, as you can easily damage your drive if you choose the wrong one.

Kind Regards

Jonty

P.S. On a serious note, I hope whatever is copied is legal.

 

[Ulysses777]

According to this (where the drive is listed under Panasonic), the only burned media that works on your drive is DVD+R or DVD-R. It doesnt work with DVD+RW or DVD-RW.

 

[Jonty]

Thanks Ulysses777, you're a star If the copied media you're trying to read, Super_Gray[SG], is of a standard your drive can't understand, then this could well cause the problems you're suffering. If an update is available, then this may fix your problems, else it's time to upgrade your drive if you really want to read these disks (thankfully they are relatively cheap nowadays).

Kind Regards

Jonty

P.S. Just for reference, it seems Matshita and Panasonic are one and the same.

 

[S-Gray]

Ah ha, what i was after!

So... it seems my drive is a bit old and it requires something newer? So... i have to get one that supports DVD-RW then for it to work i presume?

 

[Jonty]

Hi Super_Gray[SG]

If there's no firmwire update available, then yes, to use these special DVDs you will need a new drive. Thankfully, the drives are not too dear, but of course make sure they support the standards you're after before taking the plunge. If in doubt, ask the person who burnt the disks what format they are in (or check the DVD or case itself, as it may be printed on there) and then cross reference that with the drive you intend to buy.

Otherwise, just stick to using the original disks, or burn the data on to a format your drive can understand.

Kind Regards