Can't get PAL disc to play

[hanshotfirst1138]

I have used VLC to play region 2 PAL discs before, but inexplicably, this particular disc is proving stubborn. When I active the media menu and tell it to open the disc, it displays all of the necessary information, but doesn't play. The one time I did get the disc to play, it wouldn't access the main menu and locked up after a few minutes. Is there some sort of copy-protection issue? I'm trying to rip the disc or record it or anything, simply watch it.

[jayR]

DVD drive has region code. DVDs with matching region code can be played. To see region code of your DVD drive,

From windows control panel, search "Device Manager" and click on it.
Unfold DVD/CD-ROM drives. Write click your DVD drive and select Properties.
Click DVD Region tab.

[hanshotfirst1138]

I thought that the point of VLC was that it could bypass region-coding?

[susanna]

Remaining times of change the region is now zero for me. What is the way to see PAL 2 in the Pacific Region? Forget PC and watch it in DVD Player only? Even like this my Dr. Computer says even DVD Players have region...
??

[Daddy-o]

I hate to say it, buy a new DVD drive and dedicate it to the region you need. My research into the subject is a from a few years ago but as you know, this is a hardware issue. Think of the order things happen, disc > laser > circuitry > rom > logic > cable to the PC > PC hardware > OS > UI, if it doesn't make it past the logic to the cable, the gig is up.

The good news is you might be able to find a used DVD drive in any old computer that's only been used for one Region. Ask friends if they have an old PC. The almost-as-good news is new DVD drives are cheap. And yes, DVD console players are ruled under the same international manufacturer consortium agreement.