DVD Player not working

[bigal50]

I have an old Accer laptop with XP Pro/SP 3installed, don't laugh. I use it mostly just for word-processing/ spreadsheets lite internet. Lately it does not want to play any DVD's.  It used too. It plays CDs just fine but not any DVDs. I am using a version of Cyberlink-PowerDVD and its a combo drive by Toshiba CDRW/DVD TS-L462D. Help


Thank You

[Geek-9pm]

A simple hardware test is to try another OS to see if it is a driver issue.
You can download a free copy of Windows 8.1 Enterprise edition. The open up some space on your hard drive and do a small install. Then see if it can read the DVD combo correctly. Windows 8.1 has its  its own set of drivers or gets it from the Internet.  Now if  that works, then it must be some kind of software or driver problem.
Here are link links:
Resize partitions in XP with free Easeus manager.
Download Windows 8.1 on USB.Watch the video. He is fun!
How to get trail version of Windows 8.1 from MS.
And if it does not work, you still get a  a lot of fun. 

[bigal50]

Seems a bit extreme for this old laptop. Any other suggestions ??


Thanks

[patio]

Sounds to me like the DVD lasers have gone dead...
Unfortunately laptop replacement optical drives are expensive...

[Geek-9pm]

Sounds to me like the DVD lasers have gone dead...
Unfortunately laptop replacement optical drives are expensive...

Right!
An external DVD from an on-line store is about $20 to $30 plus shipping.  And come with a warranty.
From Amazon. Even in box $29.95 plus S/H.

[bigal50]

Ok. I guess I start shopping for a new DVD player for my laptop. But you say the DVD lasers have gone bad so the DVD lasers and the CD lasers are different but come out of the same lens opening ??



Thank You

[Geek-9pm]

Yes, different lasers. They vary by wavelength an d power level.
If you want to DIY,  look at this:
Where can I purchase a replacement DVD laser?
Your choice. 

I'm not sure that replacing the laser is going to solve the problem, or that you'll end up with a working DVD drive after installing and aligning it.

[bigal50]

I think I will go to the local Goodwill. This particular store has a  small computer store and they sell lots of used parts. I might be able to find a used DVD player that will fit my laptop however parts are used any they may not work properly but then again it may but its better that paying $30.00 for a new one if I get lucky.
..." If I get lucky"....Hey thats how I hope my valentines date ends ! ! !  baadaa bing baadaa boom !! Thank You...i 'll be here all week !  ! !!

[patio]

You won't find a laptop DVD drive for 30 Bucks...even at Goodwill...

[bigal50]

No I will find a used one for like $2.99. I know because I used to work there. So I can have one of he guys test it for me.