Building a new PC can be a rewarding and fruitful experience, and can save you a lot of money if you know how to put one together. Ninety-nine percent of the time, it is quite straightforward and trouble free. You put it altogether, install all the software and then you can sit back and admire your handiwork.
Sometimes, though the occasional ‘teething problem’ will occur in one of the components of your new system, which may not be immediately apparent. For example – you are able to install the operating system, you can open and look at the contents of a CD, and play some music. So you can get into thinking that the optical drive – in this case a DVD writer is working fine.
It may be your own computer, or one you have built for a relative or friend, and sooner or later the problem will become obvious to you – the dang thing won’t playback your favourite DVDs.
You were, or your friend was looking forward to trying out the movie playback on a brand new PC, and that because you saved some money from building it yourself – you were able to splash out on a lovely big LED backlit widescreen monitor, and some really awesome audio system. You put in your favourite movie, and voila – nothing happens.
Then you try another DVD – same thing! Nothing happens. Now – you have to troubleshoot it. In determining the problem there are a number of sequential steps you need to take. This will help you get quickly back to being able to watch your favourite blockbuster at home on your new PC before you know it.
Try using a different media player other than Windows Media Player, or make sure that your Windows Media Player Codecs are up to date. You can also try using an open source media player like VLC media player. There are other ones available from a good website like Cnet Download.
Check that all the cabling has been wired properly. Open the box, look at all the cables from the DVD player to the motherboard. Are they secured? Have they been accidentally knocked out of place or come loose? Check the power cables too.
Try playing some audio – can it do that? This information will help you if you need to contact technical support.
Check for a driver update. In Windows under device manager, go to the optical drive and check the status of the DVD writer. You may need to update the drivers. First uninstall them, then using the model number and brand of the drive, you can either use Google to find a driver, go to the website of the manufacturer, or use the Windows option to go online and download the latest drivers. You may be able to find the necessary drivers from Drivers.com – be aware though that to access certain features of this website you may have to pay. It does have a limited service free membership option however.
You can try updating the firmware. To do this you can go to the manufacturers site, and look in their support section for updated firmware. This may fix the problem.
If you are using a Windows operating system, go to the Microsoft support site for information about known problems, and available fixes. You can also check for Windows compatibility issues on the Microsoft Support Site.
Go to technical support forums, and to a site like Tom’s Hardware to find out information about possible solutions to your problem.
You may need to download a Codec pack. You can get Codec packs such as K-Lite Codec Pack for free, and then run that to update all your decoders for DVD playback and other media file playback.
So if you have tried all the above, and nothing is to avail – call the technical support line for the manufacturer of the device – find the number for your area, and get put through to a technical support officer. Tell them you have done all of the above, and more than likely be told that there may be a problem with the drive itself. Depending on how old the drive is – check your warranty, and you may be entitled to claim a replacement drive. If it is determined that you have done all the above, and the drive still doesn’t play back DVDS – either send it back to the store you bought it from, get a replacement from the manufacturer, or take it to a well recommended technician to give you a second opinion.
Taking it back to the store – you may be told that the store technicians will check the drive to verify that it is not working. Then if that is the case you may be entitled to a statutory refund (check your legal rights for your area). Make sure you keep all the receipts and the packaging for your drive.
Once you have obtained a new drive then go and reinstall it in your PC. If that does not work then you may need to call in a professional technician to get your DVD drive up and working, so that you soon be able to watch movies.
If you have followed the above steps yourself, at least you have made a reasonable attempt at repairing it and determining that it isn’t working. You will have saved yourself some money even if you end up getting a second opinion because you will have already gone through these steps so that you will be able to tell the technician what you have done.
Once it’s back in and working – enjoy your new PC, or upgrade, and widescreen monitor and the great experience of your favourite blockbuster movie!
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