Test your CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD drive after performing each step. Some of these steps may not apply to your computer.

CD and DVD drive troubleshooting

DVD movie playback troubleshooting

CD and DVD recording troubleshooting

1. Verify the disc media used.
   Try multiple original discs (not burned copies) which are clean and free of scratches. See Information about CD and DVD media.
   Note: Dark colored discs such as black may be more difficult to read.
   
   
2. Verify that the disc is seated properly in the CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD drive.
   
   
3. Verify that the drive is seated properly in the Value Line notebook by reseating the drive.
   If another similar machine is available, then verify that the drive works in the other machine and that the other drive works in this machine.
   Notes:
   • Shut down, remove the power cord, and remove the battery from the Value Line notebook before removing the CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD drive.
     
     
4. Verify that the latest BIOS for the Value Line notebook has been installed.
   Note: Embedded controller may require updating.
   Click here to view the latest BIOS files for all Value Line notebooks.
   
   
5. Verify that the latest firmware updates for the drive have been installed.
   
6. Test the CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD drive for errors
   Note: Diagnostic testing will require an audio or data CD.
   • Run the PC Doctor diagnostics.
     
     
7. Verify that the CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD drive is detected by Microsoft Windows operating systems.
   Verify the drive is identified with no conflicts in Microsoft Windows Device Manager.
   
   1. For Windows 2000, click Start, select Settings, and then click Control Panel. Double-click System.
      For Windows XP, click Start, and then click Control Panel. Click Performance and Maintenance and then click System.
   2. Click the Hardware tab and then click the Device Manager button.
      Example:
      
   3. If the device is "conflicted" (indicated with a red "X" or yellow "!"), uninstall the driver in Windows Device Manager and restart the system or scan for hardware changes. To scan for hardware changes, right-click the drive and select Scan for hardware changes.
      
      
8. Open the My Computer icon on the desktop. If the drive is detected, then the list of drives should include Compact Disc (X:) or disc title where X is the drive letter.
   Example:
   
   
   
9. If these steps have not solved your problem
10. 1. Continue to DVD movie playback troubleshooting or CD and DVD recording troubleshooting.
    2. Refer to "Need more help?

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1. Verify the drive is capable of playing DVD movies.
   DVD should be written on the outside cover of the drive.
   
   
   
2. Verify that the latest drivers are installed.
   Verify that the latest audio, video, and Microsoft DirectX drivers for the operating system and Value Line notebook have been installed properly according to the install instructions and readme from the software and device driver files . (Click here to learn what a device driver is.)
   
   
3. Try a different drive or different brand of DVD media.
   Due to the variance in DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, and DVD+RW media, some movies or data on DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, and DVD+RW media may not be read by some drives.
   
   
4. Verify that the latest DVD player software is installed.
   Verify that the latest version of the preloaded DVD player software (Mediamatics DVDExpress or InterVideo WinDVD DVD player) has been properly installed and configured, including Region codes if applicable.
   Notes:
   • Do not change Region codes unnecessarily. All drives have a limit as to the number of times Region codes can be changed.
   • The DVD player software available for download is for upgrade purposes only and requires the original version to be installed on the system.
   • Not all Value Line notebooks shipped with the DVD player software. If shipped with your system, the full version of this software can be found in the C:\ibmtools\apps directory. This only applies if you are using the preloaded software image as shipped.
     
   
   
5. Verify that the DVD movie playback is shown on the primary display.
   1. For Windows 2000, click Start, select Settings, and then click Control Panel. Double-click Display.
      For Windows XP, click Start, and then click Control Panel. Click Appearance and Themes and then click Display.
   2. Click the Settings tab.
   3. Click the Advanced button.
   4. Click the Displays tab to adjust the primary display.
      
      
6. If these steps have not solved your problem
   1. Continue to CD and DVD drive troubleshooting or CD and DVD recording troubleshooting.
   2. Refer to "Need more help?

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1. Verify the drive is capable of recording a CD or DVD.
   CD-RW, Multi-Burner, or Multi-Recorder should be written on the outside cover of the drive.
   
   
   
2. Verify the disc is the correct media format supported by the drive.
   See Information about CD and DVD media.
   Notes:
   • In some cases, trying a different brand of media may be helpful. Some brands of "R" or "RW" media may function differently than others with your drive. Trying a different drive may also be helpful.
   • Dark colored discs such as black may be more difficult to write.
     
     

3. Verify that the latest version of the recording software is installed.
   Verify that the latest version of your recording software and DLA CD-RW software has been properly installed and configured.
   Note: The recording software available for download is for upgrade purposes only and requires the original version to be installed on the system.
   

4. When recording data, ensure all other applications are closed.
   Performing other tasks may divert system resources and cause recording failures.
   
   
5. If recording was unsuccessful, try writing at a lower speed.
   
   
6. If these steps have not solved your problem refer to "Need more help?

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