This article explains what to do when a DVD movie will not play on a PowerBook G3 Series computer and the error message "Apple DVD Player cannot open because the required hardware was not found." is generated.

When trying to play a DVD movie on a PowerBook G3 Series computer, the following error message appears:

Figure 1: DVD Error Message

Affected Products:

PowerBook G3 Series computer

Solution:

There are several things that can cause this particular hardware error message to appear.

DVD PC Card Not Being Inserted Properly

Only the bottom PCMCIA slot supports Zoomed Video, which is needed to play DVD movies. Eject the DVD PC Card, wait 8-10 seconds, and then reinsert it back into the bottom PCMCIA slot.

DVD PC Card Is Not A Custom Icon, But A Generic One

Reinstall the DVD Software. You may want to check Apple Software Updates to make sure you have the latest version.

Speech Recognition Is Installed

If it is installed and listening is turned on, Speech Recognition will take control of the Sound Monitoring Source option within the Monitors & Sound control panel and set it to the Built-In Mic. To properly play the DVD movie, either disable Speech Recognition or change the Sound Monitoring Source back to the ZoomedVideo.

Notes:

1. Before having the computer serviced, you should completely eliminate software as a possible cause of the issue. First, set the Extensions Manager to the OS extensions plus those needed for the DVD Software, reset Parameter RAM, restart the computer, and then test the system to see if the error still occurs. To do this, perform the following steps:

- Open the Extensions Manager

- Select 'PBG3 Series All' or 'Mac OS 8.5 All' as the Selected Set

- Duplicate the locked set, naming it "test" or similar name. The Locked Extension set cannot be modified.

- Choose 'as Packages' from under View on the MenuBar

- Check the box next to 'Apple DVD Software'.

If necessary, run Disk First Aid on your hard drive. Finally, perform a clean install of Mac OS and reinstall the DVD Software only, then retest.

2. For information on performing a Clean Installation of system software, see the following articles:

- Article 26055: " Mac OS 8.0 & 8.1: Clean Install Instructions "

- Article 43034: " Troubleshooting Handbook: Performing A Clean Installation "

- Article 58176: " Mac OS 8.5: Performing a Clean Install "

Note: Macintosh PowerBook G3 Series computers should not be confused with Macintosh PowerBook G3 computers. Though the names are similar, there are significant differences. For more information differentiating between the computers, read Tech Info Library article 24604: " PowerBook G3, G3 Series: Identifying Different Versions "