So, as I understand it:

Feisty sees all DVD as SCSI devices. Decent DVD playback requires DMA to be switched on. This cannot be done (innapropriate device error), presumably because SCSI doesn't need to have it switched on - in short, if it's SCSI, it's running in DMA mode.

But Feisty wants it on, and I'm getting choppy DVD as a result. I've tried all the players - Xine, Totem, VLC, og-fingy-wotsit, mplayer.

All exactly the same. If I'm lucky I get ten minutes in before it starts sticking.

Now, assuming everything say in the first paragraph is true (and it may not be) - can anyone give me any advice at all?

I've edited hdparm.conf and added this:

If I look in /media it has a shortcut called cdrom, and a proper folder called cdrom0. If I look in the Device Manager app, the DVD has a scd0 tag. Should I put scd0 in hdparm.conf instead of the above?

TBH, I don't think it's going to make any difference if I do, but now I'm desperate.

Can anyone give any definitive answers on what this situation is all about and how to resolve it?

May thanks .

Forgot my specs:

Dell Inspiron 1150 laptop, 2.6ghz Celeron, 512mb, TEAC DVD 28E-C, with Intel CrapXtreme 82822/82855 graphics, motherboard seems to be 82801-DB, and HTS548040M9AT00 35gb hard drive (also perceived as SCSI) . There's a little mouse with a wheel inside there too, I'm convinced of it .