I have a compaq laptop bt lately it wont play dvds, i use cyberlink power to play dvds. the laptop wont even recognise a dvd

If all you need to di is play DVDs, I would uninstall the Cyberlink software, and install the free VLC.

It comes with a DVD player that works built in (If you have a DVD-ROM drive).
If you don't, you have two options:
1. Don't play DVDs on your laptop.
2. Use Power-DVD (http://www.cyberlink.com/products/powerdvd/overview_en_US.html) to WATCH MOVIES ONLY. It doesn't let you use DVD-ROM features.

If it recognises cd but not dvd it means the drive is faulty. There is 2 lasers one for cd and one for dvd. The dvd laser is faulty. It also means that it is not dirty lens because it reads cd's.

cyberlink power dvd is for playing dvd movies, it is not burning software

convert your moviefile to a compatible one

may be if you instal the codec pack wil works
here is the link for download:
http://www.codecguide.com/download_mega.htm
you got to instal in wmp

Here's what's happening... software companies like CyberLink subscribe to the Macrovision requirements for playing DVDs and protecting copyrighted materials.

Macrovision has approved numerous video cards for what they call "TV Out" which allows the movie to be displayed on your TV.

Unfortunately, your Dell Inspiron does not have a Macrovision approved and supported video card in it, so it gives instructions to the computer to disable TV Out and not allow it to play anywhere besides the computer.

1 st install a dvd player on u r pc.............like(cyberlink power link dvd software)........
if still having problem to play dvd then check u r all cables...may be loose(inside in cpu)...........or may be u r dvd drive damaged man.............

dont forget to tell me u r problem solved or not
best regards & best of luck..

hi dear
it ofen happen at some time........drive doesnt play dvd when u use duplicate or pirated dvd disk.........
1 st use a good quality disk of dvd ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
if problem remail same then imidately contact ur dealer(shop) & replase u r dvd drive............

some time it also happen due to problem in dvd drive.......

dont forget to tell me u r problem solved or not
best regards & best of luck..  

Just check if the region code has not been locked. If you cannot play DVD's at all, first clean the lens, then install a good DVD player like cyberlink etc and then try. If the issue is related to Data DVD's as well, change the media that you are using, eg change the media type to Samsung, Sony and check. Lemme know if it works.