switching from cd rom to dvd rom?

Question

i took a compaq dvd rom that worked fine, i've tried installing it in 2 different hp computers that had cd rom. they acknowledge it being installed, but will not allow me to play dvd. i went to compaq to see if i could locate drivers for the dvd rom and they it says this dvd rom did not require drivers! what can i do to make this thing play dvds! thanks

Answer 1

Install one of these free DVD codecs posted by Microsoft for Media Player :

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/player/plugins.aspx#DVDDecoder

Then you will be able to play DVDs.

regards,
Philip T

Answer 2

You need software to play DVD's.

I'm sure there must be some legally-free DVD playing software out there, but I can't recall any.

Or..

You can always pay for a codec to watch DVD's in Windows Media Player. To do so, attempt to play the DVD in WMP, and then it'll guide you through the process after a warning that you are unable to play the DVD due to the lack of a DVD codec.