Faulty DVD drive

paddypaws101

Hi, I have a 3 year old HP Pavilion laptop on which the DVD drive is not working. When I insert a disc it seems to start up but soon stops and when I look at the media centre message it says to insert a disc...so I guess it is not 'recognising' the disc.
I am a complete idiot in computer terms....can anyone tell me if there is a way to check myself what is going on ( don't seem to be able to view an error page or anything ) I can take it to a local repair shop but would appreciate an idea of what the problem may be and what the potential cost is so I don't get ripped off!
Thanks.

kwikbreaks

You could try cleaning it ( discussed yesterday - http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=2248143 )

Does the DVD play OK on a standalone player?

I doubt that you'd see much change out of £100 if a computer shop replaced the DVD drive.

stef73

A new drive would cost about £15 could you not fix it yourself ? .Or do you know anyone who could ? . Changing a drive takes about 10 mins ive change them a few times .

kwikbreaks

Laptop DVDRW drives (which I assume it is on a 3 year old HP) cost more than £15.

While it is indeed an easy job that takes 10 minutes the OP says he has is a complete idiot when it comes to computers and that will be instantly recognised by the local computer shop (if only because they are being asked to do a simple job) which is why I gave a high estimate.

debitcardmayhem

Have you tried booting the laptop from the dvd drive eg using a recovery disc? (But No dont run the recovery!!) this might just prove the dvd is working and that the problem with your windows

SPANIEL36

If you insert a new disc drive into the tower do you need to download the drivers for it?

paddypaws101

Ooh, a couple of 'technical' questions there, re-booting etc all goes over my head! Yes, the discs play fine in a cd player. I have a friend who is computer savvy so may ask him if he can fit new drive if that is what is needed.
Thanks

totalsolutions

Tried cleaning the DVD lens?