Windows - Audio CD Woes

[CHiLL]

We have multiple working audio CDs, however we have issues when we are trying to play them on the computer.

 

This issue is currently affecting:

Windows 7 x86 desktops and laptops

Windows 8.1 x64 - desktops and laptops

Internal DVD drives and external DVD drives

Different known working audio CDs, all in CDFS format

 

If Windows Media Player is NOT running when we insert the audio CD and then Windows Media Player is started...Windows Media Player simply will NOT detect the CD...it states there is no disc inserted. This is despite the fact that the PC does actually detects the audio CD and is viewable in My Computer/Computer/This PC. You can browse the CD and view the tracks, but not play them.

 

If Windows Media Player is already open/running and the audio CD is inserted...Windows Media Player detects the CD and can play it.

 

This screenshot shows what happens if the CD is inserted whilst Windows Media Player is NOT running:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]35333[/ATTACH]

 

This screenshot shows what happens if the CD is inserted whilst Windows Media Player IS running:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]35334[/ATTACH]

 

There is also no 'Play' option in the right click context menu, as shown in this screenshot:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]35337[/ATTACH]

 

This is driving our staff (and us) nuts! Has anybody else come across this or know how to resolve it?!

Edited March 1, 2016 by CHiLL