Optical drive unable to play DVDs- decoder issues

[mickapoo]

I have been trying to play a DVD. I can play CDs just fine, but it's DVDs that are giving me issues. The DVD contains a movie (it's a regular DVD, not one that was burned from a computer).

When I try to play it using Media Player, I receive a message that I do not have a decoder installed. It routed me to the Windows website, and from there it ran a test on my laptop to see what was installed. It told me the decoder was already there. ??

If I try to play the movie using Real Player, I get an error message that says I need the decoder, and it brings me to the Real Player site to d/l it. Once I get there I get an error message that says I need DVD software.

I have an HP Pavilion DV4000 laptop with 1 gig of RAM running Windows XP Home. I'm not sure what other info you need.

Thank you for your help!

[patio]

Try VLC media player and see what happens...FREE.

[mickapoo]

I've tried that. I try to play the dvd and nothing happens. I do prefer to use Media Player though, as they have the tracks lined up (the menu) and with VLC from their website it doesn't look as though you can see the tracks menu.

However, it still wouldn't solve my decoder issue. Any ideas?

Thank you!

[Ryan]

Have you tried Cyberlink PowerDVD?  That's a good program to me.  (I use it, that's for certain.)

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Have you tried Cyberlink PowerDVD?  That's a good program to me.  (I use it, that's for certain.)

PowerDVD Isn't free.

Mickapoo, have you always had this problem? Does the DVD work on other machines?
In fact, can you watch other DVD's?

[mickapoo]

Mickapoo, have you always had this problem? Does the DVD work on other machines?
In fact, can you watch other DVD's?

I'm really not sure- this is the first time I've tried to play DVDs on my computer. The DVD does work normally on other machines. I can't watch any other DVDs either. I get the same message regarding a decoder that is missing.

Thank you!

[truenorth]

mickapoo, Check this out. hope it solves your problem. http://www.updatexp.com/dvd-decoder-media-player-windows.html  truenorth