Troubleshooting a DVD Player in a Computer

by Greyson Ferguson
VFx the DVD player on your computer

VFx the DVD player on your computer

dvd remote image by Trevor Goodwin from Fotolia.com

Most computers now come with a DVD player built into the system. This allows you to watch DVD movies on your computer without a television. However, occasionally you can run into playback issues in which the DVD doesn't play correctly or the computer doesn't detect the DVD player at all. Whatever the issue is, you can correct it with a few trial-and-error procedures.

Step 1

Remove the DVD movie you are attempting to watch. Look at the underside of the DVD to see if it is scratched or dirty. Replace the DVD movie with a different disk and see if the problems continue. If the playback problems stop, the issues are with the disc and not the computer's DVD player.

Step 2

Open the DVD drive and spray compressed air into the drive. This removes dust clinging to the DVD lens and laser.

Step 3

Place the DVD cleaner onto the DVD tray and insert it into the computer. The cleaner has small bristles on the bottom of the disk and will clean the DVD lens. Allow the DVD to play for a few moments. Do not overuse this cleaning disk as overuse can scratch the lens.

Step 4

Test out your DVD player again with a new DVD movie. If the skipping continues, it is because the lens is scratched. The only way you can correct this is to purchase a new DVD player. You can typically purchase a new one for less than $50.

Step 5

Launch your Internet browser and load the computer's manufacturer site. Select "Support and Downloads," then type in the model number for your computer and select your operating system. Download any available drivers for your DVD drive. At some point, you may have deleted the driver to the DVD player (usually when removing other items from your system). Once the download has finished, double-click the downloaded file to launch the installation wizard. Follow the brief set of prompts to complete the new driver installation. The computer now recognizes the DVD player again.

About the Author

Greyson Ferguson is a graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design with a degree in film and television. He currently resides in Lansing, Michigan where he works on independent film projects and writes for numerous publications. Ferguson primarily focuses on computer and electronic articles. Greyson produces TheDailyUpbeat.com, focusing on only upbeat news stories with daily updates.

Photo Credits