Damaged CDs

• One of the main things to cause playback problems is when the CD is scratched or damaged. This can happen through mistreatment, accidental contact or by loading the CD when the CD tray is not fully extended or the CD is not secure when the tray is retracted. Clean the disc and repair the scratches by buffing them out, then re-insert it to see if play improves. With Windows Media Player, click "More Options," "Devices," then "Properties" and click on "Use Error Correction."
  
  

Unrecognized Formats

• Commercially produced CDs will be in the CD audio format, which should play in all media players when loaded in the CD-ROM drive. But some media players use formats created for and specific to their software, which may make them incompatible when attempting to play in other media players after being burned to CD. However, most media players provide format options for burning to CD. Choose one that is common to all, such as MP3 or WMA, or install a program that converts from one format to another and burn the CD.
  
  

Bonus Content

• Some CDs come with additional content embedded that will open automatically and play when the disc is loaded into the CD-ROM drive. This creates the effect of having the CD play over itself when the media player begins playback. Close out the window for the bonus features to continue playing the CD with your media player.
  
  

Multiple Players

• Some people choose to have multiple media player programs for various uses. When a CD is loaded, it may begin playing in a media player other than the user's preferred player. This can happen when one program is set as the default media player upon installation. When this happens, access the settings and set the default to the preferred player.
  
  

CD-ROM Problems

• Another potential snag is when the computer's CD-ROM drive stops functioning properly, either through damage to the CD tray, the mechanism that spins the CD or the drive itself. The computer may be in need of service if this occurs.