laptop dvd drive problem?

vix84 · 01-25-2006, 06:32 PM

hey,

i've a new dell inspiron 6000 and playing dvds on it has been causing problems since day one, even brand new dvds with no scratches!! i am able to play cd's all the way through with no probs...

however when i play a dvd, it works fine for about an hour or so, then it starts pausing and jumping every so often, then does it repeatedly until it becomes totally unwatchable... there are also a couple of brand new dvds i got which it refuses to play full stop, are some just not computer friendly ??

many thanks

LaptopExtreme · 01-25-2006, 07:04 PM

Try reinstalling the DVD program. Also you can try if you can play them through Windows Media. Since this is a new laptop I wouldn't look for firmware, you can always call them up for service or to send you a new drive.

LaptopExtreme · 01-25-2006, 07:11 PM

Also, make sure your drive is running in DMA mode. Control panel> System> Hardware tab> Device Manager, right click IDE controllers, and make sure they're set to "DMA if available".

vix84 · 01-25-2006, 07:12 PM

hi thanks for replying, havent tried re-installing anything yet but will do... have tried opening in other programs such as windows media but it was still playing funny, and i forgot to add it makes these horrible scratching noises from inside the drive, even tho there is nothing visibly wrong with the dvd itself... its a mystery, shall have to give them a call then

vix84 · 01-25-2006, 07:13 PM

oh didnt see the other reply, i'll try that too then, can i ask whats DMA ?

LaptopExtreme · 01-25-2006, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vix84

oh didnt see the other reply, i'll try that too then, can i ask whats DMA ?

Quick look up: Direct memory access (DMA) allows certain hardware subsystems within a computer to access system memory for reading and/or writing independently of the CPU. Many hardware systems use DMA including disk drive controllers, graphics cards, network cards, and sound cards.

And yes, you should give them a call. Hope it all works out (well it should).

vix84 · 01-25-2006, 07:28 PM

ok thanku! just thought, i could have googled DMA myself lol sorry i wasnt being lazy

01-25-2006, 06:32 PM	#1 (permalink)
vix84 New Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: london innit Age: 24 Posts: 13	laptop dvd drive problem? hey, i've a new dell inspiron 6000 and playing dvds on it has been causing problems since day one, even brand new dvds with no scratches!! i am able to play cd's all the way through with no probs... however when i play a dvd, it works fine for about an hour or so, then it starts pausing and jumping every so often, then does it repeatedly until it becomes totally unwatchable... there are also a couple of brand new dvds i got which it refuses to play full stop, are some just not computer friendly ?? many thanks

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01-25-2006, 07:04 PM	#2 (permalink)
LaptopExtreme VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 880	Try reinstalling the DVD program. Also you can try if you can play them through Windows Media. Since this is a new laptop I wouldn't look for firmware, you can always call them up for service or to send you a new drive.

01-25-2006, 07:11 PM	#3 (permalink)
LaptopExtreme VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 880	Also, make sure your drive is running in DMA mode. Control panel> System> Hardware tab> Device Manager, right click IDE controllers, and make sure they're set to "DMA if available".

01-25-2006, 07:12 PM	#4 (permalink)
vix84 New Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: london innit Age: 24 Posts: 13	hi thanks for replying, havent tried re-installing anything yet but will do... have tried opening in other programs such as windows media but it was still playing funny, and i forgot to add it makes these horrible scratching noises from inside the drive, even tho there is nothing visibly wrong with the dvd itself... its a mystery, shall have to give them a call then

01-25-2006, 07:13 PM	#5 (permalink)
vix84 New Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: london innit Age: 24 Posts: 13	oh didnt see the other reply, i'll try that too then, can i ask whats DMA ?

01-25-2006, 07:28 PM	#7 (permalink)
vix84 New Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: london innit Age: 24 Posts: 13	ok thanku! just thought, i could have googled DMA myself lol sorry i wasnt being lazy