Looking for external DVD drive for laptop and have no clue what to look for?

didntgotoplan

I'm basically a beginner when it comes to anything to do with technology system needs so this question might lack a bit of common sense but here goes!

I'll be starting a college course in September and the course work will need Audio CD and video DVD playback facilities plus I will be getting software that I will need to install.
My laptop is nearly 5 years old and the DVD drive hasn't worked for about 2 years, it's using Windows Vista. I'm looking for an external DVD drive I can connect to my laptop, but I haven't a clue what I should be looking for in an external DVD drive.

I tried googling some stuff but I'm getting confused when talking about rewriting, among other things. I've been looking http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/19969/xx/xx/101/9/criteresn.html and http://www.argos.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?storeId=30001&catalogId=1500002451&langId=-1&searchTerms=external+dvd+drive
What should I be looking for and what would be good to buy when all I need the drive is for the above activities?

ricman

Does your dvd drive show up in my computer on your pc,if so ,buy a dvd lens cleaning kit, 2 euro 2euro shop, 5euro in tv/hdware shop.USE IT to clean the lens, leave the drive door open,eject it, leave to dry for 20 mins.USE A SMALL amount of cleaning fluid on the cleaning disk brushes.
if you are gonna buy one buy this
http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/4380092/art/lg/gp08nu20-slim-external-dv.html
thats a good price.it can write to cdr or dvdr disks.
it works off usb power, ie no need to carry a separate,power supply for the drive, takes power from pc usb slot.

didntgotoplan

It still shows up, I'll try and get that so to see if it works. Thanks.

ricman

you can buy lens cleaning disk in most tv shops,or maplins,or pc store,currys,dixons etc