is my CD-DVD laser dead?

[ashh]

I can burn data to cd / dvd disc
The disc IS recognised when it is inserted into drive
ie. it changes from DVD-RW DRIVE (:E) to DVD-R or CD-R
BUT data is not visible when I click on or 'explore' the disc drive with disc inserted...
Tried watching DVDs and using software install discs and nothing happens....
Have tried using windows media player as well as nero and nero wont detect the disc.
In device manager, under general tab for the drive, it says this device is working properly...
Is the burning laser different to the reading laser?
can I try cleaning anything?
is there any free testing sites I could try and use?
or is it obviously just a dead laser?
cheers

[finga]

Just bung a new one in.
Cheap as ships they are. $20-40 and you have a new one.
If you travel Springwood way just drop into MSY
http://www.msy.com.au/default.jsp?category=37

[ashh]

hmm its looking like thats what ill do...
is it as easy as unplugging and removing a few screws to replace it? never done it before

[marto78]

Yeah Ash thats about all there is to it.
Did u try updating the software for the driver in the device manager this will sometimes fix an issue like that.

[ashh]

seems it might have just been a gremlin.....
restarted in safe mode and threw a disc in and was able to view the contents....failed playing a dvd in safe mode however...
restarted in normal windows and everything is running and working how it should.....
dunno what happened but its all good now

[sleepygreg]

dont ya just luv computers?

[finga]

dont ya just luv computers?

NO!!!

Just ask the cook what happens when something doesn't work around here.