DVD playback problems

[blawson]

I recently bought a new computer (dell p4 1.7) and installed my old toshiba sd-m1212 dvd drive. Only problem is, it doesn't work. Toshiba claims their drives don't need drivers, but clearly something is up. Computer recognizes the hardware, just can't play anything (not just a dvd video problem -- can't playback anything). Thanks for the help.

Ben

 

[WW]

windows XP or ME?

is the master or slave set right on the drive? (seems ok since it sees it during bootup...but check)

check device manager for the dvd...does this look ok? no x's or exclamation points.....

maybe toggle the pio / dma:

http://www.microsoft.com/hwdev/tech/storage/IDE-DMA.asp

 

[corkyg]

You are missing the major part of the equation - what DVD playback software are you trying to do this with?

 

[blawson]

Ok, so I guess my old system just had the decoders pre-installed. Never had to reinstall them again on startup though. I have Windows XP now. So I guess I need a new player now -- know any free ones? . Or at least cheap?

 

[WW]

so you can read a CD in it? I thought you meant it wouldn't read anything.

then yeah...you just need DVD decoder software to play dvds....

dvd decoders are about $15

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/windowsxp/buypacks.asp

 

[corkyg]

In the meantime, if you figure out which file to play, in XP, Windows Media Player will play a DVD . not as well as PowerDVD or WinDVD, but at least something.

Actually, WMP 8 is pretty easy. If you have all media formats selected, pop in a DVD and it will load automatically.