Now I can't install SH 3!! why why why :(

[artao]

On the off chance anyone here will be able to help me with this issue, my frapping dvd drive won't read my SH 3 disc anymore!! Or, apparently, any other DVDs properly (I only see the video_ts folder, no audio_ts). This freakin drive is only about 6 months old!!! I only started having this problem after I had to completely re-install windows due to a virus (which I've now had to do again, on a completely physically different hard drive) ... I sure hope that didn't pooch my DVD drive. It reads regular old CDs just fine, just not DVDs. When I insert the disc, it 'reads' and comes up as 'SH3', but the only file visible on the disc is 0x0409.ini. Sometimes it comes up as 'Silent Hunter 3', with the ability to autoplay, but when I try to do so, it asks me what program I want to open it with, and still only the aforementioned file is visible on the disc.
WTF!!!! why why why why why??? :damn::damn::damn::damn::damn::down::down::down::d own::down::nope::nope::nope::nope::nope: grrrrrrrrrrr
I have tried Win XP support site, even allowing the Mr.Fixit app to run, and it says it fixed the problem, but it sure as hell didn't. And apparently MS wants $50 for me to e-mail them for tech support.
-sigh- <breathe calmly>
ok, thanks ... if no one has any ideas on how to fix this, I guess I'm just venting .... but this is VERY VERY frustrating as I was very much looking forward to some SH 3 after all the SH 5 flap, viewing some Nat Geo show someone posted, and trying to get Danger From the Deep to run (no go for now) ... and now I can't!! :doh::x:cry::wah:
-sigh- maybe I can get SH 1 to run, or maybe Wolfpack ...

[artao]

-sigh-
... further research has revealed that this is a fairly common problem with Lite-on DVD drives. I may have to replace it. It still reads CDs fine, and I have learned this is because it uses a separate laser for CDs, and that my DVD laser may have gone bad, after only a few months. GRRRRRR!!! How I fricken HATE manufacturers that use cheap, crappy hardware to save a few pennies here and there.
... If anyone has any info as to how I might fix this, please offer it up, I'll try just about anything at this point, I'm so ticked off!!! I SOOO don't want to buy yet another new DVD drive after only 6 months with this one, as I have other things planned for my money. :cry::wah::nope:

[gmuno]

I hope, you've reinstalled the manufacturers driver for your DVD-drive. If not, don't trust in Windows to do it automatically. Windows is sometimes quite stupid when it comes to DVD-drives. I've got the same thing with the workstation in my office and it's simply the missing driver (but in my office it's wanted to be this way).

[artao]

:o ... you may have something there, hadn't thought of that ... I've never had to install specific drivers for any ATAPI devices in the past, but I'll go check for one now. Thanks, hope it works (but rather doubt it, as I said, this is a rather common problem with Lite-On drives apparently) ... sometimes the most obvious things elude us, eh? :hmmm:

[artao]

... no such luck, my drivers are current and correct ... :-?:cry:

[gmuno]

...then, have you tried it with a Movie-DVD?
If it accepts one of those, it's not the drive but the disc.

[artao]

... yeah, doesn't read movie dvds correctly either ... browsing the dvd I see only the video_ts folder, and no audio_ts folder ... I just must accept that the dvd part of my drive is broken, I guess. Any suggestions for a reputable brand for a new DVD/CD burning drive? That's gonna be 40 or 50 bucks I'd'a rather spent on something else ...

[gmuno]

LG or Samsung ain't bad...

[Jimbuna]

Use a programme that will convert your video and audio_ts folders into an image (ISO) and you should be fine.

I've used Lite-on for years without any problems.

You might also try deleting your drivers then reinstalling them from the Lite-on site.

[Pisces]

First try the dvd on another machine. If that works then you can be sure the disc itself isn't defective. (scratchmarks would be a clear giveaway) If no other dvd disc can get played, or show similar behaviour when viewing with explorer, then it's the drive-unit itself. And 6 months should still be in the warranty period, I guess. Though that may depend on your countries consumer protection laws.

[utops]

Hm..try install new bios for that lite-on
My LG was very faulty when i try to burn out DVD
Bios update solve my problems.

Tip: When new bios i loaded by biosloader (or something that lite-on uses for bios update), after reeboot off/on your power suply.
When my drive stop to respond i was furrious,but forutnately cold power down and up make it work.

[Gilbou]

Otherwise find a copy of the "Gold" edition of SH3.
It comes without copy protection.

[artao]

Well, I tried a little experiment. I plugged the old hd back into my system and tried to run SH 3 from my previous install. And Lo!! It works!! YAY!!! I can play now, I can play now!! and it's already got all the mods I like installed, etc ... :yeah: :sunny: :har: I'm rather amazed that it works, and I expect I'll find some bugs running it this way, but at least I can play it again.
Stupid DVD drive!! grrrr.
Not willing to do a bios update to the drive until I've got another drive to replace this one with if the bios update goes south.

[Jimbuna]

Pleased to hear of it...SINK EM ALL!! http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/pirate.gif