Windows seeing DVD drive as a CD drive - won't play DVDs

Rrrr · 08-10-2009, 10:56 AM

Don't know how long it's been a problem because I've not even tried to play a DVD in so long. The drive winds up, and down, and back, not making the usual sorts of noises, then eventually gives up, having failed.
Still plays audio and data cd's, have tried several types of DVD's, but the problem is clearly internal as windows itself isn't seeing it as a dvd drive.
Have had a new motherboard since last successful attempt, but have completed BIOS update since then (which was to fix another problem with the wireless adaptor).
Running Dell Inspiron 6400, XP SP3, the drive is the Philips SDVD8820.
Have found several "fixes" none which have:
Tried uninstalling the drive and adding back - no success, as Windows adds the drive it does so as a CD-Rom, not a DVD drive.
Have updated the drive's firmware, no go (was the current one anyway)
Tried the windows support registry fix - deleting the upper and lowerfilters.
Deleted and re-installed my dvd decoder (WinDVD WMP embed)

At my wits end, or am doing something of the above wrong (don't think I am tho)
Any help out there?

**Tyree** · 08-11-2009, 11:01 AM

You have the classic signs of a failing optical drive.

08-10-2009, 10:56 AM	#1 (permalink)
Rrrr Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 1 OS: XP SP3	Windows seeing DVD drive as a CD drive - won't play DVDs Don't know how long it's been a problem because I've not even tried to play a DVD in so long. The drive winds up, and down, and back, not making the usual sorts of noises, then eventually gives up, having failed. Still plays audio and data cd's, have tried several types of DVD's, but the problem is clearly internal as windows itself isn't seeing it as a dvd drive. Have had a new motherboard since last successful attempt, but have completed BIOS update since then (which was to fix another problem with the wireless adaptor). Running Dell Inspiron 6400, XP SP3, the drive is the Philips SDVD8820. Have found several "fixes" none which have: Tried uninstalling the drive and adding back - no success, as Windows adds the drive it does so as a CD-Rom, not a DVD drive. Have updated the drive's firmware, no go (was the current one anyway) Tried the windows support registry fix - deleting the upper and lowerfilters. Deleted and re-installed my dvd decoder (WinDVD WMP embed) At my wits end, or am doing something of the above wrong (don't think I am tho) Any help out there?

08-11-2009, 11:01 AM	#2 (permalink)
Tyree Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: May 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 5,746 OS: XP Pro-7RC-Mandriva My System	Re: Windows seeing DVD drive as a CD drive - won't play DVDs You have the classic signs of a failing optical drive. __________________ Posting your PC specs will help us to help you quicker and more efficiently.