I have an SDRW-08D2S-U LITE it won't play a DVD

Ron Jarvis 0 Reputation points
2026-09-18T16:57:22.21+00:00

Win 11 recognizes the device but just lists the files I can't get it to play the video

Windows for home | Other | Devices and drivers
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Paulo GM 72,310 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-09-19T15:02:00.3766667+00:00

As far as I know, the Media Player does not support playing videos from a DVD. You'll have to install the Widnows Media Player Legacy (the classic one) or use VLC. I'll personally go with VLC, but it is up to you.

Here's how you can install the WMP Legacy version:

https://www.elevenforum.com/t/install-or-uninstall-windows-media-player-legacy-app-in-windows-11.30079/

Disclaimer: ElevenForum is a non-Microsoft site created by a Windows MVP. The information is reliable, but be careful with ads. Research any product before downloading.

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  1. Paulo GM 72,310 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-18T17:52:23.42+00:00

    Hi,

    Perhaps there isn't a default player that can play the video file. If you have the Windows Media Player Legacy, open it then on the left pane, click on the DVD drive to play it.

    If it doesn't work, try using VLC instead. Once installed, open it then click on the MEdia tab > Open disc and see if it works.Disclaimer: This is a non-Microsoft site. The information seems reliable, but be careful with ads. Research any product before downloading.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-18T16:57:38.2533333+00:00

    Windows is detecting the DVD drive, so the issue is likely DVD playback software or a missing DVD decoder/codec, not drive detection.

    Try this:

    1. Open Device Manager and confirm the drive appears under DVD/CD-ROM drives with no yellow warning icon.
      • If there is a warning icon, update or reinstall the driver.
      • To reinstall: open Device Manager → expand DVD/CD-ROM drives → right-click the drive → Uninstall device → restart Windows.
    2. If the drive is detected and the disc contents only show as files, install a compatible DVD decoder/codec.
      • This behavior can occur when Windows Media Player can read the disc but does not have the required DVD decoder installed.
      • On work-managed PCs, Group Policy can prevent codec installation.
    3. In Windows Media Player, if a codec error appears, select Web Help and follow the prompts to find and install the codec.
      • If no codec is found there, obtain the codec from a third-party vendor.
    4. Try the Movies & TV app as an alternative player.
      • Open Microsoft Store from the taskbar search, search for Movies & TV, and install it if needed.
    5. If playback still fails, try different DVD player software.
      • A similar Windows 11 case also recommended reinstalling the latest CyberLink PowerDVD version or trying different DVD player software.

    If the drive ever stops appearing correctly in Windows, then use the driver troubleshooting path first. If it stays detected and only video playback fails, focus on the DVD decoder/player software.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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