When I play a dvd everything is fine. When I put in a cd, it tries to start and then stops. How can I fix this. I am using a hp computer and windows xp.

What kind of cd? A blank? A pre-recorded one?

Any kind. Cd's that I have made and Cd's that I have purchased. I don't think I have the IDE correct. But I have no clue how to fix it.

Why do you believe you don't have the IDE correct? Did you unplug it? If it was reversed, then even the dvd shouldn't play as the drive should be unrecognized.

The IDE ribbon cable will have a colored stripe on one side, usually red. This denotes pin 1.

Match pin 1 of the cable with the pin 1 on the hard drive interface. It should be the side towards the power connector.

I have read so many things on the internet I thought that may be it. I haven't changed anything with the ribbon so I guess that's not it. I went to the device manager and uninstalled it and restarted my computer. It said found new hardware. First dvd and then the cd rom. I got all excited and put the cd in and it did the same thing. The light starts to blink and it sounds like it is trying to start but then it just quits. Im so frustrated. I do appreciate your help! Please don't give up on me!

Ever do the custom windows update and check for new drivers? [HP updates also] -- Savage

Yes I do all the time! In fact, I did it today and it said no updates. Any other suggestions?

Try rolling back to a earlier driver then -- Savage
Start /all program/ PC help and tools/compaq app. Recovery /driver restore

I did a complete system restore back to original settings and since then I have had this problem. So, I have no restore point when it did work properly.

So you have a dvd drive and a cd rom drive? Are cds unrecognized on both? Or just one of them?

If you have two optical drives, they are probably on the same IDE cable. Disconnect the cdrom drive from the IDE cable. Reboot the PC, and try again.

The other solution is to install the suspect drive on another computer, maybe a friend's PC, etc. This will determine if the drive is at fault. May be time for a new one.:)

I have one drive that reads both. I put the dvd in and a box opens and asks me what I want to do (basically which program I want to use to play the dvd.) It used to ask me the same thing when I put cd's in but as the light begins flashing like its going to open, then it just quits. So in response to your answer, No, I only have one drive that reads both.
HP cd/dvd rom 740b.

Do you think I should still try what you recommended enlight of the new info?

My suggestion is just un-plug your dvd drive and re-install your operating system. And then plug your dvd drive and make sure you will not install the drivers for you dvd drive let your computer check it and install the in build drivers for a dvd drive in windows xp or higher.



And after this process ends once restart your computer and you will find your dvd drive plays dvd's as well as cd's also it is supported to play them :)



note : Never install any drivers for you dvd drive in future it will help your drive to work properly and smoothly. :)