DVD drive wont run DVds or CDs

It is possible that there could be some garbage in the processor do to a small power surge and if you unplug the unit from the wall for 40Min., it will reset back to normal.

The lock on the drive is failing, you'll need to replace the drive.
http://cgi.ebay.com/DVD-RW-drive-Dell-Inspiron-300m-500m-510m-600m-610m-M20_W0QQitemZ280435221123QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPCC_Drives_Storage_Internal?hash=item414b3de283#ht_2162wt_1165

this problem occurs when the lens of the drive gets weak or broken

you can either buy a new drive or just get the lens of the old drive replaced

yes its possible to replace a cd rw/ dvd drive with a dvd rw drive

Clean the lens using a cotton buds using a dish washing liquid(dont wet it too much).Then rinse it with tap water and let it dry for a couple of minutes.

Is your dvd rom drive a RW drive? if not, you need to buy a RW-dvd rom drive to be able to RW dvds or cds.

If you already have a RW DVD Rom drive, you need to have a burning application (ex. nero burning rom). You can check on the internet and download a freeware and install it on your machine.

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YOUR DRIVE DOES NOT BURN DVDs, only CDS!!!

Try to use dvd cleaner disk to clean the lens, if it doesnot work, i think you have to replace your drive , this happens with Dell alot. but try to clean it, uninstall then install the driver back and check if its work.

Best Regards

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How do I troubleshoot problems with my CD or DVD drive in Microsoft® Windows® XP? there is a complete Step by step instructions given just follow that

Click Here

This drive is normally supplied with a couple of Dells.
(because of compatibility) Inspiron 700m,710m

If you have another machine for testing?
check the disk for contents to see if the data burn happened,
this will explain a few things in your processes.

Uninstall/Reinstall the drive and reboot then try again.

Have you tried a full system reinstall yet?
Did it fix your problem?Please let me know thanks

I am not posting a solution, but may be the same problem.
I have dell inspiron 510m with DVD - RW sony A 56
It had burnt one DVD till now, but it can NOT burn any more DVDs.
I have tried burning using windows XP-SP2, Nero 6, Nero 8, burn my files 3.01 BUT no use. The only thing I got is different error messages.
I changed many types of DVD-Rom, from sony, benq..trying to rule out the storge media itself as source of error, but again no use.
Astonishingly, it works a CD-ROM Burner very well.
Any suggestions?