My computer will not play my CD's anymore. I'll place the CD in the drawer, it closes, and there are a few green light flickers like it's getting ready to do something and nothing at all happens.

If you have a Windows OS, you may have an issue with Autorun being disabled or no default program being associated with the CD. (To check open the File Explorer and see if the optical drive lists any content. Press the Windows key and E simultaneously (or double-click on the Computer/My Computer icon for Windows versions before Windows 8).) I will note that some Windows 8 computers will query a user about how to respond to a disc with a message that disappears before you notice it.

If no disc is listed, try using a cleaning disc to clean the lens. If you still get no response, check if the discs work in another computer. If they do, consider replacing the optical drive. (The drives do fail. Since a new internal OEM DVD burner will cost ~$20 for a standard desktop (SATA interface), they aren't worth fixing. Slim drives for laptops and ultra-small form factor desktops cost a little bit more.) If your computer is older and uses IDE (40-pin for desktop, 44-pin for laptops) ribbon cables, the drives cost more. There are adapters that will work in some desktops.

If the disc is listed, double-click on the optical drive listing. See if you get a response from double-clicking a file on the disc. If that is the case, then Autorun for CDs has been disabled on the computer. Go to the Control Panel and then select the Programs section. (Start > Control Panel for Windows 7 and earlier; for Windows 8, press Windows key+ X and select the Control Panel or activate the Charms menu (Windows key +C) or hover on the upper right side of your monitor and drop down. Choose Settings and then Control Panel). Select the Default Programs and then the change AutoPlay settings. Scroll down to set the defaults for CDs. Click Save to make sure the setting holds. You may have to reset the AutoPlay settings at intervals. (There was some issues with malware on external storage that caused Microsoft to decide to disable AutoPlay for user "protection".)

If double-clicking on the file doesn't work, try right-clicking and choose Open With. Then search for a program that will play your music. You can set this program for future use from the default programs section of the Programs Control Panel. (Use the Associate file type with a program or Set Program Access and Computer Defaults links.)

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells
(Note: Windows 8 doesn't play DVDs without third-party software. or an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro + purchase of Media Center. The Media Player should play commercial CDs.)