http://www.computersight.com/tags/dvd problems New posts about dvd problems http://www.computersight.com/Hardware/Troubleshoot-DVD.146916 This article describes how to troubleshoot DVD ROM.

1. If the DVD ROM is showing no power even the PC is turned on then
   first of all make sure that the drive is getting power. The simple way to do this is to eject the tray. If no response is shown, then check for a faulty power cable or connection.
2. It may sometimes happen that some faulty parts exist like bad cables do exist. For example you may spend hours trying to fix a sound problem, only to find that the manufacturer had incorrectly wired the ATAPI sound cable! In that case, use spare parts to test for faulty equipment through a process of elimination.
3. Sometimes Incorrect installation is the case. Make sure that the gray ribbon cable is inserted correctly having the red wire at “pin 1”. It is possible to insert this cable upside down on some drives. This goes for the “ATAPI” cable as well. Next, check the “CMOS” and make sure that the system sees the DVD drive. If you have a “SCSI” drive, then do not forget to check the “SCSI Select Utility”. The drive will not work if the system cannot see the drive.
4. DVD drive problems may rise due to corrupt Windows Registry. You might try restoring the Registry if you have a good Registry backup. But it is easier only when you have Registry wizard. IF you do not have the registry wizard then reinstalling Windows might be easier. Running the Windows Setup can also refresh corrupted files while keeping your data intact. Make a backup, before you do this.
5. Another cause of problems with DVD ROM is incompatible Windows driver. if the DVD drive is displayed in the CMOS but not under Windows, then check the software driver and Windows Registry. If needed install the latest driver for DVD ROM.
6. You may receive a bad or no sound when you are playing the DVD ROM. If you listen no sound, then make sure the ATAPI cable is correctly connected and is not faulty. Distorted sound may be fixed by enabling Direct Memory Access (DMA) under Windows. Also disable multiple languages.
7. If there is no picture, make sure that all video cables are correctly connected. Normally, a video cable originates from the video card and terminates at the DVD controller card. Another video cable originates from the controller card and terminates at the monitor. A bad display may be fixed by enabling “DMA”. If the picture is distorted, set the menu to “4:3” for monitors and “16:9” for a digital TV.
8. Another Problem lies with “Country Code” or “Anti Copy Code” issues. When DVD ROM software like Mpact Mediaware or Software CineMaster is installed, a Country Code must be selected because the code is burned into the disk, For example a DVD disc purchased in Australia may not play in the United States.

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