what types of codes do i need in order for Windows Media Player to play my DVDs? where do I download them?

Answer 1

The K-lite codec pack will be able to solve your issue...I would also recommend using VLC media player (it can play anything). Best part is it's free and completely free of spyware. It is also the most popular player out there.

VLC media player is a highly portable multimedia player for various audio and video formats (MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX, mp3, ogg, ...) as well as DVDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols.

Answer 2

Do you mean a DVD movie like a one you can rent from your local Blockbuster or buy from your local DVD store? If so then you don't need any to play in on Windows Media Player (WMP). Insert the DVD on to your DVD player. Windows will ask you which program you want to use to play the disc. Make sure to select WMP and check "always open with this program." There are so many different video formats. Some media players can only play certain video formats but not others. The DVD movies you buy from your local video store, which are manufactured by the big studios (e.g. Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures,...etc.) use the MPEG-2 format. WMP plays MPEG-2. However, there are many other video formats, such as: DivX, .avi, .flv, MPEG-4, MPEG-1...etc.. Many video files you find on the Internet are saved in these formats. Sadly, WMP doesn't the majority of them. You can always another media player which supports these video formats, such as VLC media player. You can also download codes (a.k.a codecs) to play them in WMP. Here are some download links:

1. VLC media player (the company brags that it can play any video format found on the Internet - not entirely true but close.

(http://www.filehippo.com/download_vlc/)

2. Codecs (http://www.filehippo.com/download_klite_codec_pack/)