Problems with Vertical Format Hardware

[superyutz]

My machine EL1850 supports a vertical DVD drive.....and I've had problems....mostly just non-recognition of disks....half of my DVD+RW disks are not seen....but most were???
Are these design flaws...or software flaws.......
I just want to throw this hat into the ring....and see how others feel....
I'm not sure the OS is the problem...but maybe poor design..or what??

 

[essenbe]

Several years ago, I happened to acquire an old Dell computer with a vertical DVD drive. never had a problem with it, except keeping the disks in until the door closed. So, I would be inclined to say it isn't a design flaw. Do you think it could be bad disks?