Please help im so confused?

Question

i got a new computer and i really don't understand it yet.

i had a bunch of problems that i finally figured out but this one I'm stuck on.

my dvd rom wont read that i have a dvd in it. i have changed the dvd several times so i know it isn't something wrong with the dvd. but the computer won't read it. i went into the help area and it said i may need to "enable the dvd rom"... it said it may have been disabled. but the big problem is: i have no clue how to enable it! i have gone through all the help and troubleshooting stuff on this computer and it wont tell me how! where can i find the area in my computer to enable it?

i tried typing "dvd rom" in the search but nothing comes up. i cant figure out where to turn it on... pppppllllleeeeaaaaassssse help!

Answer 1

y so serious?? .......your computer might say its a dvd/cd rom combo but it may not be,d**n i just punched my Mac book cuz its a pain in the **** take my advice dont get a mac

Answer 2

here's a site that may be able to answer your queston:

www.annoyances.org

good luck!!-you'll need it:)

Answer 3

this is one of the problem vista is having and it will take a registry fix which i don't think you able to do at your skill level at this time call the person you bought your computer from or store they should be able to help you out if not get back and we can work it out.......miktill

Answer 4

If it's brand new, take it back to where ever you bought it from and explain to them the problems you're having. Geek squad has been the best resource for me to learn stuff. So even if you didn't purchase from Best Buy, maybe give them a shot.

Answer 5

First make sure there are no scratches or dirt on the back of the dvd you are trying to play.  Heavy build up on the disk can make them unreadable.

However from what you described it sounds more like either a configuration or hardware issue.  Being that you just receive it from gateway, I would suggest giving their tech support a call, it is a toll free number listed on the papers you received with the laptop.  Probably best to do that before messing with a lot of settings that may have to be undone later.  Plus they know, or should know, the exact configuration (assuming it is one of their standard configurations) of the system they sent you.  As there may be a software conflict or some other easy to fix issue that any one not being able to physically look at your system would not think look for or ask about but would be obvious if we were there.

If it is a hardware issue, Gateway normally replaces / repairs the new unit free of charge.  

Sorry you are having problems.  Hope that they can get you going without to many problems.

Oh this just hit me … I am sure the laptop is suppose to have a DVD player in it. And it probably is, but you might want to verify that it really is a DVD player and not a standard CD player.    I doubt that is the case, but sometimes mistakes happen during manufacturing.

But like I said above, being a new unit and under warranty go ahead and give Gateway a call.  They should be able to get you going again.

Good luck with it.

May Our Creator watch over you and your family.

Answer 6

Well first of all, does it read ANY CD's or DVD's at all?

If so, then is the problem that it won't PLAY a DVD movie?

If so, then an encoder is what you need. Something like WinDVD or POWERDVD are good but usually cost. However a new pc should come with a default player. And I believe Vista has a built in DVD Decoder.

However, one thing that may be causing the issue it that you may need to set the regional settings within the Device Manager. Set it to region 1 (North America). Don't change it too many times as you only get 5 changes before the drive becomes locked.

If the drive fails to read ANY CD's, then it is most likely faulty and should be repaired while the warranty is in place.

Answer 7

To either enable or disable the drive, open your "my computer" and when you see the DVD Rom right click on it, then left click on properties.  Once the properties page opens, left click on the "Hardware" tab, then left click on the DVD drive, only to highlite it.  Then look at the bottom of that page and left click on properties.  Under the "General" tab, at the bottom of the display, you will see a drop-down box that gives you the option to either enable or disable the DVD Rom drive.

I hope this helps, Good Luck...  

Answer 8

Yes, it is always important to tell the Operating system (Windows vista) and the Computer manufacturer (Gateway). If you try another dvd, there may be an issue hardware wise, not software.

The drive could be defective and in need of replacement. I would give Gateway a ring.

Answer 9

thats your problem its windows get a mac, mac will never give you problems