Why it does not detect dvds - Gateway M-7343u 15.4" Notebook PC - Garnet Red

There may be 2 lasers... one for cds and one for dvds. Check if it can see dvds. If it can't see either it is toast

Some of your DVDs may be a region that is not compatible with your DVD player.
For details on how to play DVDs from other regions, please click on this link for instructions :-
http://www.fixya.com/support/r3559135-playing_dvds_from_other_regions

You can only play CDs of all kinds (CD +/- R, cdrw, etc.) but you will not be able to play any DVDs. It will not detect any DVD disc.

try to clean using cd/dvd disc cleaner, if not work, replace with new cd/dvd rom

First you check from bios your CD-ROM is detected or not. If it is detected then you can clean the cdrom lence.if it is not detecting then it is a hardware problem. Then you can repaired it from service center.

Some DVD/CD drivers have two lasers: one for DVD and the other for CD. Not sure if this is your case but looks like the laser for CD discs is gone. The only way to repair it to replace the pickup mechanism. Anyway, it's hard to diagnose your issue as it may be caused by drivers, dust, software that interferes with the CD/DVD drivers, etc.

Hello,

This seems like a hardware problem you are experiencing. I would suggest using them dvd cleaning acessories and if not, replace the drive.

your drive may not be compatible with -rw disks. Try using +rw. They are totally different.

also i am having a similar issue with vista with burning dvds. I have to set it on 4x or it fails around 90 % up to 99%. Lower your max burn speed.

Depends on your burning software and drivers installed for it. I have seen windows not detect some DVD burners correctly.