First off, I'm not just a newbie, I'm clueless! So your answers will need to be in complete idiot language (let's say I'm computer saavy, and I can follow directions,but I've never programmed anything and assume I don't understand any abbreviations. So why am I running linux? b/c windows was driving me nuts!! and my friend convinced me. day-to-day operations, we're doing fine, but when it comes to problems, I've got no clue what I'm doing!)

So here's what's going on, my machine is an HP pavilion dv6, my optical drive is a standard cd/dvdrw, when i load an audio cd of any type (burned, official, etc,..) I have no problems, when I pop in a dvd - i get nothing. the dvd icon comes up in my launch tray, when I open VLC player I can find the dvd in the folder... but it won't play. I can watch movies I've downloaded with no problem, I can also watch movies off an external hard drive.

The only thing I've tried is removing vlc and reinstalling, and I tried installing a different player (gnome maybe? I don't remember). none of that worked.

Again, i can follow directions, but you need to be very specific and don't assume I know anything going in. (I mean, I know basic stuff, but nothing too technical.) PLEASE HELP!!! MY KIDS ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY!!! Thanks!!