Is it a DVD Burner (DVD +-RW) or a DVD Reader (DVD)? If it's a burner, you will need software to burn data to DVD's. You won't need any software to read data DVD's. You might need software to play DVD movies - it varies a lot by disc and content.

I think I am going to give up on all this.  Thanks for everyones help.  Its all turning out too complicated to me.  I am not a geek.....HA HA HA

Anyway I have Windows XP and its a DVD+RW. 
Made by Sony NEC Optiarc Inc.  Model # AD-7190S
Manufacture on Sept 2007.  I think I paid about 30.
  Anybody want to buy??

Again thanks to everyone for all the help

Why don't you buy an external DVD+-RW drive? Hook power up to it, plug it into a usb port and Bob's your uncle. It will come with software too. Here's a link to a good one.

Just set the master/slave jumper and plug the cables in as explained above, XP should just find it automatically and go through its adding new hardware wizard all by itself the next time you power on. A jumper is a wee plastic plug with metal bit inside, normally white but sometimes black, which goes across two gold pins to short them out. Usually you will find this on the rear of the DVD unit, with five "pairs" of pins side by side. One pair is labelled M (master) another S (slave) and the other three pairs leave as they are. The pins (with no jumpers fitted) will look something like this...

M S
.   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .


Chris
CeeDee2008-05-24 03:40:56

Don't give up Steve. Heck all it can do is not work, Just try the things the Vettegeeks...... LOL have listed. If it doesn't work ask so meore questions.

I have been jackin around with my ol Dell for weeks now and I think the maybe light at the end of the tunnel. One thing for sure I am learning a few new tricks along the way.

Hang in there!

most of the drives are plug and play. install it and windows should recognize it. you will need third party software to burn the disks which is available anywhere ( something like nero burning suite, etc). the software that comes with it usually has a burning program with it but you can use any of them.

Thanks again for all the encouragement and info.   Also thanks for link to the external drive.  Only 55 bucks shipped.  would be the easy way to go.

Thinking about it....

If screw everything up...I still have my laptop...   

[QUOTE=eddie20875]most of the drives are plug and play. install it and windows should recognize it. you will need third party software to burn the disks which is available anywhere ( something like nero burning suite, etc). the software that comes with it usually has a burning program with it but you can use any of them. [/QUOTE]

As a paid nerd proffesional I say don't worry. Just make sure it's off plug it in and go. Get a can of Air that they sell for cleaning keyboards to blow out all the dust bunnies living inside your computerm, you might want to do that outside .

Thanks for the add. info.  Think I am going to give it a try.
Thanks Jason for the link and your email offering help.  Gotta love C3VR!!!!
Will let you all know how it turns out....steve