Solved DVDs no longer playing - I get an error code about region settings.

[jenn38]

Hello,

I tried to play a dvd earlier using kmplayer, and this is a dvd I've played before with no issues, and the dvd wouldn't play. I'd get a black screen. So, I tried to open the dvd in WMP, and I'd get a message saying that "Your system is set to DVD region 1. To play this dvd, set your system to region 1, 3, or 4." When I click ok, I get another window where I could change the region settings. It is set to region 1, I've never changed the region code since I've had the computer. (It's refurbished, btw.) I tried a few more dvds, and none of them will play. I ran the troubleshooter I found in the control panel, and it detected no issues.

I've not changed anything on the computer, this just suddenly happened. I last played a dvd about a week ago with no issues, so I don't understand what's happening.

I've included a couple of screenshots.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[fireberd]

According to the display you have 0 changes remaining which means it has been changed before (I don't remember how many changes are allowed but its only about 2 or 3 and its burned into the firmware in the drive). There is some 3rd party software that claims to get around it, according to a search but I have no info if any really work.

Go to the Device Manager, uninstall the drive in the Device Manager then restart the PC and when Windows starts it will detect and reinstall the drive. This fixes status corruptions between devices and Windows and if you are lucky will fix your problem.

If you can't get around it, then a new drive is in order. They are relatively cheap ($20).

 

[jenn38]

Hello, fireberd and thank you. I tried uninstalling the drive, but that didn't help, so I guess I will look into a new drive. Thanks so much for your help.

 

[fireberd]

The OptiPlex 755 uses a "SATA" interface. Make sure you get the correct interface type. (Not PATA).

Here's one for $15.99 from newegg (where I buy a lot of computer parts):
LG Internal 24x Super Multi with M-DISC Support SATA Model GH24NSC0B - Newegg.com

 

[jenn38]

Thank you, I had already planned to come back and ask for help, because I wasn't sure which one to get. I didn't know if it needed to be a Dell dvd drive or which ones are compatible with my computer.

Looking at the one you linked to, though, it looks like it's too big to fit in my computer. Mine is more slim looking.

 

[fireberd]

Which model of the OptiPlex 755 do you have? There are several models.

 

[fireberd]

One other option if yours is not the "standard" size drive, is an external USB connected drive.
Lite-On EBAU108 External DVD-Writer - Black - Newegg.com

 

[jenn38]

It's the Small Form Factor, I believe. It looks like the SFF in the attatched picture.

I have an external dvd drive that I'm borrowing back from my sister. I can use that (or buy a newer one) if we can't find something that will work with my computer.

Thanks again for all the help!

 

[jenn38]

The external drive isn't working correctly, which I was afraid of as it is pretty old, so I may look into buying a new one.

As for the internal one, would this one work?

LITE-ON CD DVD Burner SATA Model DS-8ACSH - CD / DVD Burners - Newegg.com

 

[jenn38]

Quick update: I ordered the dvd drive in my last post, and it arrived today. After a quick switch, I am now able to play dvds again, so I will mark this thread as solved.

Thank you so much for the help!! Also, I only just now realized that I appear to have posted in the wrong forum. I apologize.