Laptop DVD ROM/Burner troubleshooting...

[boonedoggle]

So, my fairly new Toshiba laptop has been having issues playing DVDs lately. These range from home burned/authored DVDs to production movie DVDs. It's weird because sometimes it will play, and sometimes it will not...even after I've tried loading it several times. The odd thing is that the silly thing burns DVDs well and also plays CDs. I don't think this is a hardware issue, but not sure. Can anyone offer advice?

[n2advnture]

Originally Posted by boonedoggle

So, my fairly new Toshiba laptop has been having issues playing DVDs lately. These range from home burned/authored DVDs to production movie DVDs. It's weird because sometimes it will play, and sometimes it will not...even after I've tried loading it several times. The odd thing is that the silly thing burns DVDs well and also plays CDs. I don't think this is a hardware issue, but not sure. Can anyone offer advice?

Try looking for updated drivers for the DVD burner and the burning software

[JCK]

Also what DVD playback application are you using ? Try Media Player just for grins to see if you've got the same issue.

Check on BIOS updates for the laptop as well as well as firmware updates for the DVD player itself.

[boonedoggle]

Thanks Mark and Ji. I have considered uninstalling the drivers, then reinstalling them to see if that might help. But I'm afraid I'm going to do some uninstalling that I can fix. I actually normally use VLC player, but sometime Windows Media Player.

[JCK]

Originally Posted by boonedoggle

Thanks Mark and Ji. I have considered uninstalling the drivers, then reinstalling them to see if that might help. But I'm afraid I'm going to do some uninstalling that I can fix. I actually normally use VLC player, but sometime Windows Media Player.

Does the same on both players Jimmy? If so, Could be a driver issue or possibly firmware. You can try updating the drivers without uninstalling.

[boonedoggle]

Originally Posted by khubli

Does the same on both players Jimmy? If so, Could be a driver issue or possibly firmware. You can try updating the drivers without uninstalling.

Yep...I typically try VLC first, then WMP, which doesn't work either. The drivers say they are up-to-date.

[kvm]

Well you have nothing to lose buy looking for updated drivers or uninstalling it and letting windows redetect it, but it could well be a hardware problem. (Bad drive) I've seen it before. A drive will read CD's fine but not DVD's.

[JCK]

If it's relatively new, you've got warranty support on the machine. I'd call up Toshiba and let them determine if it's hardware/software. That's what they get paid for. Hopefully if it's hardware it's a drive that you can pop in and out and they'll just send you a replacement.

[boonedoggle]

Originally Posted by khubli

If it's relatively new, you've got warranty support on the machine. I'd call up Toshiba and let them determine if it's hardware/software. That's what they get paid for. Hopefully if it's hardware it's a drive that you can pop in and out and they'll just send you a replacement.

I know...but it all seems so minute. I mean, I can get the stupid DVD to play, but I have to continually load it, then eject it, then repeat. The "local" warranty shop that Toshiba uses is like 40 minutes away. I will probably eventually end up bringing it there before my warranty is up in September.

[JCK]

Originally Posted by boonedoggle

I know...but it all seems so minute. I mean, I can get the stupid DVD to play, but I have to continually load it, then eject it, then repeat. The "local" warranty shop that Toshiba uses is like 40 minutes away. I will probably eventually end up bringing it there before my warranty is up in September.

you look for the firmware updates? w

[boonedoggle]

Originally Posted by khubli

you look for the firmware updates? w

I'm not sure...not extremely computer saavy...don't have a bunch of patience and whatknot

[JCK]

Hey Jimmy, post up the Laptop information.. I know it's toshiba, but if there's a model number or type then I'll dig around for ya.

[boonedoggle]

Originally Posted by khubli

Hey Jimmy, post up the Laptop information.. I know it's toshiba, but if there's a model number or type then I'll dig around for ya.

Thanks Ji! It's a Satellite A135-S4527

[JCK]

Jimmy, you know how to get in the BIOS and get the BIOS firmware level?

[boonedoggle]

Originally Posted by khubli

Jimmy, you know how to get in the BIOS and get the BIOS firmware level?

not sure