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DVD drive/writer won't read original discs, only copied discs - or DVD drive only reads CDs not DVDs

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CD/DVD/Blu-ray drive/writer problem: DVD drive won't read original discs, such as a Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7 install disc, only copied discs - or DVD drive only reads CDs not DVDs

I bought a new Dell Inspiron 580 desktop PC that has Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit edition installed and a 16X CD/DVD writer (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer read and write capability. From the first time I used it, the DVD drive would not read original discs, such as a genuine Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7 installation disc (I have all three). I have to copy an original software disc in another computer and only then the DVD drive will use it. I tried to update the DVD's device driver and firmware, but Dell's support website says that no updates are available. I removed the driver in the Device Manager and reinstalled it in any case and installed the latest firmware without success. I telephoned Dell and was directed to an Indian call centre. After hearing my problem, the technician was unable to sort it out.

Answer

A similar problem is a DVD writer that can only read CDs, not DVDs, or DVDs but not CDs.

It is unlikely to find the cause of your particular problem, but you can try using the following problem scanner from Microsoft, which can be useful in solving other problems.

"Microsoft Automated Troubleshooting Services scans your computer and detects the root causes of common problems, then automatically fixes the problems that it finds, and offers additional resources if the problem isn't fixed." -

http://support.microsoft.com/gp/cd_dvd_drive_problems

If it were an older drive that used to work properly but is now suddenly problematic instead of a new one that never worked properly, you could try using an inexpensive DVD drive cleaning kit, which is a special disc designed to clean drives, used to clean the drive's laser lens of dust, dirt, hair, etc. If the laser lens gets dirty these kinds of problems can occur. You can buy them from most good retail or online computer shops. You can also use a damp cloth or a can of compressed air to remove debris from the drive's tray.

Apart from what you have already tried doing, the next action to take is to open your PC's case and make sure that there is not a loose or partially connected cable connecting the DVD writer to the motherboard, which means checking the connection at both ends of the data cable.

Dell provides very good service manuals for its desktop and laptop PCs from its support website. The manual will tell you how to open the case if you need assistance in that regard.

All Dell PCs now use only SATA hard and optical CD/DVD/Blu-ray drives. You could also try using a different SATA data cable. They are very cheap and available from any retail or online computer store.

If the connection is good and your system is still under warranty, telephone Dell's support and request a replacement DVD writer. Say that the drive never worked properly from the start. Don't mention the original disc bit, because it is best to make things as simple as possible with PC support personnel because they use scripts and if you provide too much detail they can look up the wrong script.

If the PC's warranty has expired, in most countries you'll have to buy a new drive. However, the Sale of Goods Act in the UK can be used successfully to get a replacement if the drive has failed within the expected useful life of such a device, which I would say is about 4 years at least. Fortunately, new DVD drives are not expensive - more or less than £20/$30.