DVD reader setup - generic/driver/codecs?

[no-mbr]

I have a DVD reader/player from a discarded PC. What do I need to make it capable of playing DVD video or DVD slides shows, etc. in an XP OS machine.

Is there any generic DVD player software? Will XP media player play DVD movies natively?

[ski]

If it's connected to the secondary IDE channel, then make sure that channel is enabled in BIOS.

If it does not show up in BIOS, then make sure it's correctly jumpered, and securely and correctly connected.
If those are ok, then use a different IDE cable, and connect it to a different power cable.

If no luck, then connect it to the IDE 1 channel as Slave.

If still no luck, then the drive may not be compatible with Win XP, especially if it's more than 3-4 years old.
Check the manuf's website for XP drivers. If none are available, then you may be out of luck.

[no-mbr]

Will a non-branded generic installation of XP with MS media player play DVD video? Or is an additional copyrighted codec required?

[ski]

If the DVD drive is recognized by XP, then WMP should be able to play DVD's.
Did you try playing any?