And I have no idea why it can't...

It can read original movies and **** but it doesn't recognize dvd's of data and other burned dvd's.

What can I do?

1. Try cleaning the lens.

2. Try a different make of dvd-r(w).

Can you get hold of another dvd-rom and try that.

How old is the drive?

Try looking at the manufacturers site for updates to the firmware for your drive.

OMG!!!!

I downloaded the firmware and now it works!!!

WTF is the firmware anyways? I had to run it under real DOS mode...lol wtf?

Firmware is the digital instruction set that controls the drive itself, lets it know what it is and how to do its job...

Firmware is software that is programmed onto a hardware device. It contains information on how the device is to communicate with the computer. It is contained in a chip on the device itself. It is "read only" but it can be erased and rewritten if it needs updates. It is very similar to the CMOS chip used for storing the BIOS information...

Firmware uses the same kind of memory as the CMOS (i.e., flashROM) which does not need a battery, as on the motherboard, since no alterations can be made...it's kinda like a permanent "default" setting...

I see I see...thanks!!

Glad it worked. It's always good to check for firmware updates once in awhile. ;)

Hmm... Now that I think about it, I haven't checked for updates for my router for awhile...

Okay, here is my ignorance: When one downloads firmware should one a) save to a folder and then install it, or b) open from the source as it automatically installs?

Download the program to file and run it. It usually checks for compatibility, the firmware version and updates as needed.

There should be directions in the download page. It's always best to read them because the updater program can vary from one manufacturer to another.