Computer can't play DVDs

[LAnatraArrabbiata]

Right, probably a dumb question, but I recently built my own computer for the first time. I got the DVD drive OEM, so it didn't come with any software or anything like that. Just wondering what I need to make it play DVDs. Right now, any time I try to play one with Windows Media Player, it says "Windows Media Player cannot play the DVD because a compatible DVD decoder is not installed on your computer."
What software am I gonna need, and (wishful thinking) are there any free ones I can download?
Thanks.

 

[jondl]

google vlc player

 

[Varun]

Windows Media Player does not default to having a license for DVD playback. There are many different 3rd party packages such as PowerDVD that will allow this. Search on Google and try some out.

 

[Aisengard]

Originally posted by: jondl
google vlc player

I personally prefer K-Lite audio pack. VLC never worked smoothly for my computer, and K-Lite has Real and Quicktime Alternative bundled in with it, as well as a fast and clean movie player, and also has probably every codec a casual user will ever need.

Link: http://www.free-codecs.com/download/K_Lite_Mega_Codec_Pack.htm

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: Aisengard

Originally posted by: jondl
google vlc player

I personally prefer FFDshow. VLC never worked smoothly for my computer, and K-Lite has all kinds of useless crap bundled in with it, as well as a bitchin' postprocessing setup, and also has probably every codec a casual user will ever need.

Link: http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=ffdshow&meta=

Fixed that for you.

- M4H

 

[fire400]

well if you can read DVD's but you don't get playback it's most likely a software issue. my friend used to have a DVD/CD-RW combo drive or so it said the system was shipped with it, and he couldn't read DVD's. he attempted downloading drivers and did all sorts of crazy stuff, but no go for him.

oh yeah, you can go to download.net or download.com and find an assortment of freeware available for DVD playback. but I'd have to say the best software so far would be WinDVD which isn't really freeware, but there is a shareware available. it can be had for around 30-50 bucks at Best Buy, I think it's worth it, since not every free DVD player software will fully support the advanced features of system hardware that you may have in your rig.