DVD drive reads cds but not dvds

[masoncltn]

my computer has a DVD CD ROM i used to be able to play DVDs but then it stopped working. it will still works for CDs. when i insert a DVD all it will do is make the humming sound like it should but then is stops and dose nothing. when i go to my computer and open the drive it is blank as if i hadn't put anything in it. please help!!!

[kpac]

System info, please.

Make/model at least.
Is it a Toshiba?

[masoncltn]

my computer is an ibm t42

[patio]

The drive is probably dead...replace it.

[Rob Pomeroy]

Might be worth a clean first.  There's a possibility that the DVDs you happen to be using require a higher power laser to read properly.  If the lens is dirty the read operation would fail.  I'd expect to see a similar problem with certain CD-RWs and coloured CD-Rs.  Failing that, I'd agree with Pat.

[squall_01]

I agree, I had this happen with my playstation an had to clean the lense.  I would attempt that first.