DVD-CDRW can read CD-ROM,audio CD,rewrite CD-R,but not DVD movie disc.?

Question

SONY VAIO Laptop (PCGV505AXP ) Window XP Pro :
DVD-CDRW can read CD-ROM,audio CD,rewrite CD-R,but not DVD disc.When insert DVD movie disc,drive LED flashing and hear few motor sound but nothing show in E:like empty and no error message.
 
MORE INFO OF THE PROBLEM:
I checked in CHECK DISK, DEVICE MANAGER( The drive is working properly), REINSTALL-UPDATE DRIVER (from esupport), tried another DVD software/decoder (Magic DVD Player) and WINDOW UPDATE. Still not working, only I don't have the System Restore Point to restore that last time working good.
 
Should I perform "Application Recovery, System Recovery" or both ( I have 3 CD-ROM of each ). Because I am afraid I will loose some programs and data if I do the recovery or this is the Hardware problem.
Kinldly please help and advise. Thank you very much. 
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Answer 1

First check the disc to make sure it reads (try it in a dvd player). Put the disc in your dvd/cdrw drive after it stops spinning & the light goes out - right click on the dvd/cdrw drive & select open. You should then see two folders (AUDIO_TS & VIDEO_TS). Double-click VIDEO_TS & then you should see a bunch of .ifo, .bup, and .vob files. Double-click on VIDEO_TS.IFO. If this opens the dvd with a dvd playing application like win dvd, then set the program options to start playing dvd movies once inserted. If not, then you should be able to right-click on the VIDEO_TS.IFO file, select "open with", and choose the program you want to use to play the dvd. You will need to have dvd player software installed and point windoze to where it is.
If this makes sense (or doesn't make any sense) feel free to email me.

Answer 2

First, applause for asking a question with a lot of pertinent info.
Have you tried going to the Device Manager and uninstalling the drive? Then re-boot and try the DVD again after Windows recognizes the drive as "new hardware" and reloads the correct drivers.
Then, you might try buying and using a CD/DVD drive cleaning disk.
You've pretty much eliminated the DVD player software as a problem too, so no need to do that again.
Beyond all the above, you may have to replace the drive....it's not uncommon for a combination drive to perform some functions fine, while other functions fail to work. The drives use different lasers and one could be defective. Good luck, I hope you finally get the issue resolved.