How to Troubleshoot a Matshita DVD

1. Open the Windows Device Manager via the Control Panel, right-click the icon for your DVD drive and select the 'Scan for Hardware Changes' option. This will run a basic scan on your Matshita DVD-RAM drive and determine if your problems are being caused by any software issues. This will identify errors with your device driver and other programs on your computer that may be interfering with the device. You can also click 'Troubleshoot' to see a list of things you can try to fix these software issues (if Windows can't correct them automatically).
2. Shut down your computer and use a screwdriver to open your PC's case. Verify that the two cables plugged into the back of your Matshita DVD-RAM drive haven't come unplugged. If you've just moved your computer from one location in your home to another, this is a very real possibility. There should be two cables connected to the drive --- one plugs into the power supply and the other into the motherboard. Make sure each cable is plugged into its respective location.
3. Verify that you're not trying to use incompatible media with your Matshita DVD-RAM drive. The Matshita DVD-RAM drive is only capable of playing '-' media, and not '+' media. If you're using a DVD+R disc, for example, the drive won't be able to recognize it. The drive can, however, play any type of CD you put into it. It is only certain types of DVD media that the drive has compatibility issues with.