DVD-ROM driver help

burdette

I'm working on putting together a computer for my niece (I posted about the need for a router, and the forum came through!).

This computer has a Hitachi GD-5000 DVD-ROM drive. It will read CDs, but it won't play DVD movies. I've tried to download a couple of different drivers, but so far I'm striking out. I'm using Win2000Pro, and it seems to stand out as a bit sparse for drivers (I've found old forums where people were looking for just what I'm looking for).

Anyway - this 'computer building' thing is all new to me. I'm doing pretty well - changed out hard drives, moved other drives around, installed network adaptors, etc. This DVD drive is the LAST THING I need to have this machine ready to go.

Any suggestions for a universal driver.. or anything?

Thanks.

billbillw

There are no "drivers" for playing DVD movies. You need DVD Player Software. Try installing the latest version of Windows Media Player. It may have the capability.

Fireman32

The DVD software should have come with the drive when you bought it. If not go to download.com and download a free player. That should fix your issue

dylan

You might check this one out. My understanding is Media Player can play DVD's, but does not come stock with a decoder. So if you install DVD playing software/ decoder, Media Player will then work. Why you wouldn't then use the DVD player software is anyone's guess.

burdette

Thanks for the help. I downloaded Win Media player 9.0 - I guess the latest version that will work with Win2K. That wasn't sufficient on its own.

I tried to get WinDVD, but something was whacky with that.

Thanks for the links. I'll try them this weekend when I'm sitting at that machine.

jcaut

Mark,

If you're still having trouble, I have a copy of PowerDVD 5 that came with a drive I bought, that I'll give you if you need it. Last time I looked, good free DVD decoders were hard to come by. There was one: VLC-something- that was free and worked, but it was pretty clunky in comparison. {EDIT: I see that's the one that was linked-to above.}

Jason

burdette

I got the VLC downloaded and it does work.. but it IS pretty clunky. Part of that may be the computer itself - a Pentium II 400. BUT... it does play, and seems to get a little better after about 5-10 minutes of play.

Jason, I'd take the copy.. is it too large to email??

BUT.. this isn't greatly important.... now that we have her hooked up to myspace, AND finally go her iPod straightened out, I think she's pretty happy.

Thanks, all.

nadams

a PII 400 is going to be just on the verge of not being able to play a DVD... depending on the memory and video specs.

jcaut

If I remember correctly, I think PII-350 and 64 MB RAM is the minimum requirement on that Power DVD program, so you're right on the edge. The capability of your video card will probably determine how well you can expect to play DVD's.

I think I probably should just mail you the disk if you want it.
I'll send you a PM.

Jason