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How can I get my computer to play DVDs?

Hi everyone. My DELL XPS has stopped playing DVDs. Every DVD player program I use says no disc is found. I put the disc in and it makes a noise like its trying to read it but never does. Should I download a new driver or what. P.S. It has to be the computer. DVDs use to play just fine. Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Public Comments

1. May be the lens of your DVD player got damaged, that's why it can't recognized anymore the disc that you inserted. The lens is the most delicate part of an optical drive (CD/DVD player) it can be damaged due to usage, shock, dirt, inserting damaged disc etc... May be time to get replacement.
2. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929461
3. If you've tried multiple programs and they all say no disc found, then it's most likely the DVD Drive itself that's defective. First you should try downloading a new driver. You can find it at http://support.dell.com if you enter your service tag and express service code from the back of your pc. If the new driver doesn't fix the problem, and you're comfortable opening your pc, purchase an inexpensive DVD player. They can be found at newegg.com for less than $20. Simply disconnect yours and attach the new one to the same cables (if your computer is over 3 yrs. old, it's likely you have an IDE drive. If it's newer, the drive may be SATA. You can find out for sure which one you have at the support.dell.com website). Also, as you didn't mention the age of your Dell, I'm assuming it's out of warranty. But certainly check if it is under warranty and the kind of warranty you have (next day on-site?). Dell might have to come out and fix it for you for free.
4. I think your disc or DVD drive is broken. Try to use another disc, if still no disc found, it's your DVD drive that broken.