can't read burned DVD-R, but can read normal DVD

I have some older DVD-R that I had burned data on a few years ago. My Optical Drive on my main PC can't read them. but a drive on a different PC can read them fine.

My main PC can read all regular DVDs (i.e. movies) just fine. I cleaned the lens, deleted the "up/down" registry entries as recommended. Still no solution.

the only hint I have the explorer shows that drive with a symbol of 2 people (see attachment). not sure if this stands for some group policy.

All the data were burned with a different DVD-writer in Germany (some 9 years ago). i don't think it is a region setting issue since this DVD-drive can read original DVDs from all regions. But there may be another clue?
I read about how DVD-R degrade over time... but since my other PC can read them that likely is not the problem.

The only thing I haven't done that was suggested was the realignment. First, I never dropped it (it has been in my PC for years and that didn't move). Second, it seems to read normal DVDs fine. It was suggested if re-alignment really is necessary, other things are out of whack and buying a new one may be better.
I could buy a new one, but also don't want to be defeated by the machine. and the problem coudl be related to windows....

It is possible the DVD-R may be incompatible with your drive. You can search online for a firmware update for the drive. You can re-write to a compatible DVD-R on your other machine perhaps.

thanks for the responses. This DVD-Drive (the one with the trouble) actually is much better than the one that seems to read DVD-R. when I ripped my hundreds of DVDs (to be able to watch in entire house) it could read DVDs that the other one couldn't.

I installed the one from my other PC in my main PC and it can read the DVD-R. See attached picture, Drive G is the "other " Drive that can read DVD-R. the "D" currently has an original DVD in and can read that, but can't read DVD-R.

Possible it is dying and your theory sounds fine. My last question would be if that symbol of 2 people (red-circled) means anything? this indicates it may be some sort of Windows setting? I don't really have a problem to replace my 6 year (or whatever) old DVD-drive. It only cost $20 back then and it looks like $20 still gets me a good DVD-drive.

One thing i hadn't mentioned originally is that this is a lightscribe DVD burner. I've never used the lightscribe technology, but my understanding is it has the ability to burn images on the DVD (assume needs special blank DVDs.)So maybe this makes this laser special and more vulnerable. Or maybe this is just a coincidence and its time just came....

I replaced that drive (that can't read DVD-R) with the one that works. the odd thing is, it still shows that symbol (the one above that I had circled). it works, just curious what that symbol is.

Maybe a visual indication of parental guidance/rating? Just guessing here :)