laptop not reading discs

hook

i have a sony viao which is using a matshita uj-842d drive my problem is it will only play a game if i try anything else it says its a blank disc i have checked for updates i have restored my laptop and i have tried using a dvd cleaner but it wont play that either
does anyone have any suggestions

banger9365

yes..it mite be the upper and lowerfilters in windows that done it,you could try this http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314060/en-us
works with xp and vista
if that do's not work try cleaning the lens with a cotton bud and some alcohol (not the stuff you drink)

or the drive is on it's way out usally the first signs are they start showing dics has blanks or stuggle to read them.
do not worrie new ones do not cost that much unless they are made for sony and the face plate cannot come off
look here http://www.cclonline.com/product-categories.asp?category_id=648
just showing you some prices not saying they will fit

totalsolutions

Punctuation, always gets a reply. My dvd cleaner plays well yours must be contaminated then.

hook

thankyou banger i did as it said but still made no difference i will try cleaning the actual lens and see if that helps if not maybe i would chang it completly do you have a suggestion on a good make