There are several causes to this problem though.
-Like what Doctor Inferno said,you should check if that drive is dvd-compatible.
-Secondly,you could use codecs if that drive is dvd-compatible.Depending on the type of software you use to play the disc,search for codecs for that particular format.
-Either way,you could rip the dvd to wmv using this:
http://effectmatrix.com/free-DVD-copy/dvdcopy.exe Then watch it on your player.
-Lastly,you should check the type of dvd you are inserting into the drive with the type of discs that the dvd drive supports.The supported discs types are stated on the front plate of the disc drive.