[Lisboeta]

However, I can play audio CDs that I'd burned myself (same computer, same drive).

To no avail, I've done the obvious:
- tried 3 different media players; checked that all were up-to-date;
- tried 7 different commercial CDs, none of which would play;
- cleaned all 7 commercial CDs;
- cleaned the laser head;
- tried to view the discs via Explorer and TotalCommander.

The last time I played an audio CD must've been about 8 weeks ago. So I'm thinking that the problem must be to do with:
(a) something that has been updated/installed/uninstalled in the interim?
(b) missing/corrputed codecs?
(c) the dreaded DRM, as it only affects commercial CDs?

Would much appreciate some guidance!

 

[joeten]

Hi you might try this How to troubleshoot common problems that occur when a Windows XP-based computer cannot read a CD or a DVD

 

[Lisboeta]

Thank you, but the solution you offered requires that I install .NET. I would prefer not to. And .NET wasn't installed 8 or so weeks ago, when I could access commercial CDs. What has, or might have, changed in the interim?

 

[joeten]

There are steps further down please scroll down and read

 

[Lisboeta]

Went thru the other steps. Problem now sort-of-solved. The odd commercial audio CD still won't play. Workaround discovered out of sheer frustration:
1. shut down computer;
2. swear liberally*;
3. re-start computer;
4. insert recalcitrant CD.
Hardly perfect, but much better than before! Tks for your help.
* This step apparently sequence-independent.

 

[joeten]

Hi did you try removing the upper and lower filters in the registry Your CD drive or DVD drive is missing or is not recognized by Windows or other programs