I cannot get my DVD RW to play dvd. I have a dvd ROM and a DVD RW. The ROM works fine, but I cannot record. When I look at "my computer" it shows a "CD Drive" and "DVD ROM" Is there a way to change that? I have a couple of dvd decoders installed and nothing.

Jorge Carrejo

The RW suffix refers to Write/Rewrite. You state the ROM works fine but then you say you can't play DVD, which is it. Did the drive in question come in the computer when shipped by Sony, or was it added later? DVD decoders are used for playback, not burning. I don't use WinXP, so I can't say for sure, but I think XP has native burning capability, but some type of burning software is required to burn disks. There are two main media formats for writable DVDs. DVD+ or -. If your burner can't use the media you insert you should get a message stating that. What happens when you insert writable DVD disks?

You've installed DVD recording software, right?

Hi Dave is right. No driver are needed to read CDs. Windoze has them. To do anything else with the DVD you will need the burner software. XP has the burner. Try a repair.

Good Luck, Jim

I have to drives. The one on top (both came with the computer) is the DVD-+RW. Which is where I used to be able to burn a DVD. The other drive is DVD ROM. Just plays DVD's. That one works fine. It PLAYS everything. The one in question the RW is acting like a CD Player. All it recognizes is CD's. Doesn't recognize DVD's AT ALL.

HOW DO I DO A REPAIR?

Jorge Carrejo

There are TWO lasers in a DVD burner. One for CDs and one for DVDs. Most likely the laser is dirty or toast. How old is the RW drive and how many disk have you burned?

I don't do alot of burning. In fact I probably haven't done more than 10 in the almost 2 yrs I have had this computer.
Is there a way to clean the laser? Or will I have to get it replaced?

Thanks everybody for your help.

Jorge Carrejo

I have read that the average burner is good for a hundred or so burns before problems can arise. I don't know if that is so because I have a CD burner that has been in operation for about 4 or 5 years. The fact that the drive doesn't recognise DVD media at all doesn't sound encouraging. You may want to simply replace the drive. They aren't that expensive. If you decide to replace it yourself post a help question here and I'm sure someone can walk you through it. Removing the plastic front of the case is the hardest part.