DVD-RW drive will not play any dvd's or cd's

You didn't say what version of Windows you're running, but read this from Microsoft.

DVD playback requires Codecs.

 http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/windows-media-player-plug-ins

 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314060

Important notice for users of Windows XP: To continue receiving security updates for Windows, make sure that you're running Windows XP with Service Pack 3 (SP3). The support for Windows XP with Service Pack 3 ends April 8, 2014. If you’re running Windows XP with Service Pack 3 (SP3) after support ends, to ensure that you will receive all important security updates for Windows, you need to upgrade to a later version, such as Windows 7.

To fix this problem automatically, click the Fix this problem link. Then, click Run now button from the Automated Troubleshooting Services page and follow the steps in this wizard.

Windows 7

To resolve this problem on a computer that is running Windows 7, use the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter. For more information about how to open this troubleshooter in Windows 7, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

Windows Vista

1. Click Start
   
   , and then click All Programs.
2. Click Accessories, and then click Run.
3. Type regedit, and then click OK.
   
   If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Allow.
4. In the navigation pane, locate and then click the following registry subkey:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}
5. In the right pane, click UpperFilters.
   
   Note You may also see an UpperFilters.bak registry entry. You do not have to remove that entry. Click UpperFilters only. If you do not see the UpperFilters registry entry, you still might have to remove the LowerFilters registry entry. To do this, go to step 8.
6. On the Edit menu, click Delete.
7. When you are prompted to confirm the deletion, click Yes.
8. In the right pane, click LowerFilters.
   
   Note If you do not see the LowerFilters registry entry, unfortunately this content cannot help you any further. Go to the "Next Steps" section for information about how you can find more solutions or more help on the Microsoft Web site.
9. On the Edit menu, click Delete.
10. When you are prompted to confirm the deletion, click Yes.
11. Exit Registry Editor.
12. Restart the computer.

Now go to the "Did this fix the problem?"section.

Windows XP

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
3. In the navigation pane, locate and then click the following registry subkey:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}
4. In the right pane, click UpperFilters.
   
   Note You may also see an UpperFilters.bak registry entry. You do not have to remove that entry. Click UpperFilters only. If you do not see the UpperFilters registry entry, you still might have to remove the LowerFilters registry entry. To do this, go to step 7.
5. On the Edit menu, click Delete.
6. When you are prompted to confirm the deletion, click Yes.
7. In the right pane, click LowerFilters.
   
   Note If you do not see the LowerFilters registry entry, unfortunately this content cannot help you any further. Go to the "Next Steps" section for information about how you can find more solutions or more help on the Microsoft Web site.
8. On the Edit menu, click Delete.
9. When you are prompted to confirm the deletion, click Yes.
10. Exit Registry Editor.
11. Restart the computer.

Hi AGP123,

I've got a link below to the upper and lower filter fix.

The drive could have failed.  I have seen this and replacing the DVD drive with a new one fixes the issue.

In that case, try clearing BIOS:

1. Reboot and press F2 to open BIOS setup
2. Copy down all the current settings
3. Power off and unplug
4. Press/hold power button for ~15 sec
5. Open case and remove motherboard battery
6. Press/hold power button for ~30 sec
7. Reinstall the battery (right-side-up)
8. Reboot and confirm that settings match what you wrote down. Save changes and exit

See what happens with DVD now...

Flickering screen could be corrupted video driver, failing monitor or failing video card. I'd fix the DVD problem before starting on another problem. :emotion-5:

Yes, there are adaptors to use an IDE drive on a SATA port or vice versa.  But all that adds to the cost, unless you have future need.

SATA DVD burners can be had for less than $20 for an inexpensive drive...

Maybe you can pick one somewhere that will let you return it for full refund, if it doesn't fix the problem. :emotion-5:

See here, $17.99 and free S/H.

:emotion-21:   :emotion-21: