Problem with DVD Drive?

Hi..I'm afraid I can't help you solve the prob other then delete the drive from hardware then reboot but i had same prob once with hp DVD rw couldn't sort that out so i sent it back..Got replace ment and no prob...Hope this helps a little. yeah country code could have been altered...

Now that IS a new one. I would try the k-lite codec pack {full} and the vlc player. that combination will play a flat rock. Can't be write protection, or they could not sell it. I would suspect the problem lies in power dvd, and a codec is probably corrupt. It needs that third party help to play. Good luck. The codec pack alone may solve it.

It's probably because of the DVD's copy protection. You can use third party tools to remove the protection, but only if you own the original dvd. Try playing an older dvd or one that is region-free.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regional_lockout

Try unplugging the drive and plugging it back in. That should reload the drivers for it. With an external drive they may become corrupt more often than with an internal drive. Since they are plugged in and out so often. Make sure that you "Safely Remove Hardware" before you unplug the USB drive after each session.

Could your country code be set wrong in the external DVD/RW?

It must be set to the same code as the movie.

i would see if theres a firmware update for the drive ...

You have to remove copy protection, however that can be illegal.