Computer won't read disks

My Mac will read any burned disk that ISN'T an audio one. For example, when I put in a disk containing just a bunch of jpegs, it is recognized and appears on my desktop. Even with blank disks, these are recognized as well.
But, when I insert a CD to open in itunes, nothing happens. It doesn't appear anywhere...not on my desktop, not in itunes....what's the deal? This is happening with ALL disks like this, whether I've burned them myself or if I'm putting in a CD I bought at the store.

There are two possibilities: 1) your computer's optical drive has a dirty lens or is beginning to die. 2) the DVDs we burn do not last forever, in fact some cheap media can seriously deteriorate in a year or less. So it might be that the discs you are trying to read are bad.
In your shoes I'd find a friend with a computer and see if those important DVDs can be read there. If so hit the local Radio Shack or other electronics store and get an optical drive lens cleaner and a box of high quality DVDs. If the lens cleaner works, make duplicates of your media. If it doesn't see if your friend will let you make copies while you wait for your new mail order external DVD burner to arrive.

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