Hello! I am new to the forum, and am hoping someone can straighten me out. I purchased my Inspiron 8000 new several years ago, and due to a virus, had to re-install Windows ME (using the factory disc) to get everything to work again. Unfortunately, the DVD player (HLDS 8X DVD Slim-line DRN-8080B) capability had disappeared. It will try to play (shows the shift to widescreen), then reverts back to the program-initiation screen. I have downloaded and installed every Dell-provided update to the drive (firmware and drivers), plus the ME updates recommended by MicroSoft. I have also tried several different (from the factory-installed WinDVD) player trial-programs, and the only ones so far that will work are EasyDVD and RioDVD (neither of which are very flexible programs). It seems that any DVD player program that is more sophisticated (e.g., WindDVD 2000 and PowerDVD 7, both re-installed) just will not load up. I have a feeling that it is nothing more that a setting that needs to be changed, but in searching several forums, I cannot seem to find the answer. There was even one user on the Dell Forum that had the same problem, but seemingly did not get it resolved. Can anyone help? Please?!?Try reading the troubleshooting DOCUMENTATION:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/storage/lg8080b/en/index.htm

DocThanks, Doc. Actually, that guide was pretty informative, even though it did not solve my problem. I had reinstalled the drivers, along with the firmware updates provided by Dell. The drive does function correctly to read CD-ROM, CD, CD-R, and CD-RW formats, it just will not load up a DVD movie in either WinDVD or PowerDVD. As I had MENTIONED, the EasyDVD and RioDVD trial software did allow me to play DVD movies, but I felt the programs lacked the features and video quality I WANTED. I would be willing to reformat and start over, but I am afraid that even that will not correct the condition. I would also consider upgrading from Windows ME to XP, if again, I was sure that would correct the problem. Frustrating, to say the least! Have you tried to contact Dell's technical support?
From my previous experience, they were quite helpful.
If the problem cannot be solved by yourself, they may suggest you to send the machine back for repair.Dan:

What software were you using to play DVDs before the virus mucked things up? It might be that the software you are trying to install is not compatible with Windows Me.

It might also be that the virus is still present on your system or has done some damage that has not been repaired to the Windows Me registry or to a DLL file. Have you tried copying all your IMPORTANT documents and other files to CD-R or CD-RW, reformatting the hard drive to remove the virus or any damage, and reinstalling Windows Me and all your programs?

DocMichael and Doc, thank you very much for the suggestions. With regards to Dell support folks, besides their service being expensive (since my machine is no longer in warranty), my past experiences with them has not been positive. In reloading Windows, I did use the Dell-provided ME re-installation disc for the Inspiron 8000, plus the WinDVD (manufacturer installed) disc provided with the machine. The thought that the Trojan virus did other hidden damage is certainly possible, so I guess I am probably going to NEED to wipe the hard disc and start over...aaarrrrggghhh...!!!Formatting and reinstalling WIndows every year or so can be a very good thing. A bit of an inconvenience, but it can solve a lot of problems, for a while. Doc, Michael and GX1_Man, I finally gave up trying to fix the problem, wiped the drive, and started over. I re-installed Windows ME and WinDVD (PowerDVD would not work with the earlier version of DirectX), and lo and behold, DVDs now play just fine. As Doc had suggested, the Trojan virus had apparantly done damage to files or registry entries that I was not able to correct with upgrades and simple re-installs. Anyway, thanks very much for your suggestions!Good for you and thanks for posting back. Sometimes the "fixes" are not enough and a reinstall is a lot quicker and more likely to solve the problems. The downside of forums like these is that the inevitable is sometimes postponed too long.Glad we could help. Take it easy.

8-)