My computer doesn't find the cd player writer

If it is just a writer then no but I have never heard of just a writer and mostly they are designated a reader/writer when they should be able to read whatever they are capable of writing - if the computer has the right software installed that is.

It could be you need to instal a suitable media player or dvd player software.

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Amazon.com: Memorex 98251 CD/DVD Writer 8x- External ...

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Amazon.com: Memorex 98251 CD/DVD Writer 8x- External: Electronics. ... my hp/xp has a writeable cd drive but a player dvd. wanted to save space on my hp ... hoops toget it to work, and I also feel cheated that I can't use the cd software that ...

Customer Reviews: Memorex 98251 CD/DVD Writer 8x ...

www.amazon.com/Memorex...DVD-Writer.../B002O0...

Amazon.com, Inc.Memorex 98251 CD/DVD Writer 8x- External ... See all 30 positive reviews> .... myhp/xp has a writeable cd drive but a player dvd. wanted to save space on my hp ... hoops to get it to work, and I also feel cheated that I can't use the cd software ...

If your computer has a DVD rom or writer then this problem usually occurs. DVD roms or writers are very unreliable when it comes to reading CD's after some time of use the DVD roms do not read CD's but will read DVDs and then if it is a writer it will stop writing all will write and stop before finalizing. This problem is caused by the lens assembly which misaligns after a long time of use or the lens assembly itself no longer focusing correctly. However if you have a CD rom or CD writer then you must start by cleaning it. The cleaning of CD roms can be easy or slightly complicated if the lens is covered with residue that is moisture related. That is the lens could have accumulated dirt mixed with moisture then dried up. This would need manual cleaning using a cotton bud with some of the liquid that comes with the Disc cleaners you clean the lens until it is squeaky clean. Do this being careful not to scratch. But first try cleaning with the disc cleaner. If it doesn't work then do the manual way. If all this does not work then change the lens assembly or buy a new DVD rom or writer.

Most DVD drives are also CD drives, and it sounds like the DVD part is broken, you need to replace the DVD drive, this is done simply by buying a new one, I recommend Newegg.com ( if your unsure search exactly what you already have) then opening your case (tower) and just unplugging old one and plugging new one in, it really is very doable for even a novice.

Go to dell.com, click on support, enter model number and operating system. This page will bring up all the drivers for your computer. Download the one for the DVD player.

On the back of a CD-writer or a DVD-writer is a small grid (2 rows) of gold pins.

Each vertical set of pins is labelled: MA(ster), SL(ave), and C(able)S(elect).
Be sure that one drive has a small jumper between the MA pins,
and the other drive has a small jumper between the SL pins.

Was there any software on CD-ROM that came with the DVD-writer,
e.g., software to play DVDs, and software to write CDs and DVDs?
To "play" a DVD, you'll need that software.
To "play" a music CD, Windows Media Player will suffice.

Download VLC
http://www.videolan.org/vlc/
see if it plays on that

I took it to a IT guy and he fixed it for me,it needed codecs.Thank you

your player is not made to play these type of dvds *(only store bought ones! prerecorded) you need a player that plays dvd+ and dvd- type disks

Maybe your pc has a virus, install an updated antivirus program and clean your computer. Then reinstall your driver software for your dvd + cd writer.
Thanks!
I hope this is a solution!