Hi i've actually had this problem for quite some time and just wanted to see if theres anything anyone could help me out with this problem before i go and buy a new dvd/cd combo drive.

So i cannot quite remember when this happened but my dvd/cd combo drive just suddendly out of the blue stop reading dvd cd's i put into it which kinda sucks expecially if im tring to install a DVD-ROM video game, but the cd drive works completly fine with out any problems. I can install any programs,games, and files without any problems as long as its a cd-rom iv tried cleaning the drive with an air duster but doesnt seem to help, i dont have a cd cleaner, yet i doubt that will help very much. Everytime i insert a dvd drive i just hear the drive spin for 1-2 seconds then power down it does this about 4-5 times before it just completly stops trying to read the disk.

Sounds like you need a new drive. Since you can read CD's, the drive interface, cables, and computer interface are good. That pretty much leaves the drive - especially if it will not read ANY DVD's.

The problem is not the drive. I have the exact same problem and my computer has two DVD drives. The problem happens with both. I landed to this forum when searching for a solution. Stranger: do not buy a new drive. Keep searching for a solution (and let me know of you find it!) I HATE VISTA!!!!!!!