Usually if you uninstall the drive in the Windows Device Manager and then restart Windows and let Windows reinstall the drive it will take care of it. 

To access the Device Manager, Hold down the Windows Key (between the CTRL and ALT on the left side of the keyboard) on the keyboard and press the Pause key.  When the panel comes up, click on the hardware Tab and then Device Manager.

Thanks for the reply, Fireberd. I've just followed your advice but sadly it didn't work.

The DVD drive reinstalled itself but I get the same problem as before. BTW, the drive was listed under Unknown in the device manager - I'd have expected it to be inder Disks.

I think it might be time to go buy a Mac!

Saul

Have tried all day to get the DVD drive to play ball... have had enough with Dell. Just bought myself a Mac G5 online. :-)

Saul

Good luck with the Mac, you are now in the 4% of the computer owners that have Mac's.  (should tell you something).

Ah, my first anti-Mac comment!

The only "thing it tells me" is that PC users enjoy suffering! :-) If you don't believe me, go check out the Mac equivalent of this forum - it's positively serene!

Sorry, Saul but you brought it up to begin with.  You wouldn't have had to post anything or at least what you said which just provokes the issue and brings on comments. 

But, buying a new computer because you have a problem is like buying a new car because the ash tray is full.  Neither makes sense.

...not 'a problem' (singular) but many many problems with Dells and other PCs over the years. Whether it makes sense to not, I have the more than enough money to indulge my whims and I'm looking forward to seeing the back of this Dell.

BTW - You were 'provoked' into commenting?! Most adults know have learned to restrain themselves from 'reacting' rather than 'responding'. We're only talking about PCs here, y'know, not life and death stuff.

Have a good day - and chill a litt,e OK?:-)

Saul