Oblivion DVD Ignored on Windows 7

I decided to join 2006 and buy Oblivion. Unfortunately, in true Bethesda style, I can't even install the thing. When I plop in the DVD it doesn't appear (i.e. it isn't being recognized as a disc).

The Facts:

  • Other DVDs work fine (I installed Portal 2 a few days ago)
  • Other drives work fine (The disc was read with no issues on my friend's computer)

In other words it isn't the drive, it isn't the disc. It's some sort of combination. I'm honestly stumped.

The Details:

  • Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit
  • Drive is: NEC DVD_RW ND-3550A ATA
  • Driver is 6.1.7600.16385

Does anyone have any ideas?


Even if all DVD media are supposed to be the same, this is not always the case, especially for DVD-+RW. For this specific device (NECT ND-3550A), there is an extensive list of supported media on NEC support website. Such compatibility problems can be overcomed sometimes with a firmware update.