Help! Is non working DVD a replaceable decoder chip problem?

Question

Can anyone tell me why,
My 400Mhz G3 Pismo Powerbook from the M7572 series shows no DVD decoder chip hardware in the profiler, even though it shows the drive and says that it has a video DVD on the bottomside of the case?
When I install a DVD disc into the drive, the disk spins and the movie title disk shows up on the desktop, but won't play. There appears to be no DVD Player software installed either (except in OS 9).
To no avail, I tried playing a DVD in OS 9, because my OS 10.3 wasn't playing DVD's. CD's play just fine on both OS formats, but not DVD's. I've tried 2 different DVD drives only to receive the same results on both.
I think it is the decoder chip, because OS 9 says there is no DVD hardware, even though it shows the drive. Is there something that I need to purchase to replace/repair the DVD decoder chip?
If so, what part would it be? Or should I try to reinstall all OS software, both 9 (to original factory specs) and then 10?
Any clarity would be greatly appreciated.
A Little Fish in the BigMac Pond

Answer 1

Little Fish,
Let's start with your most important issue at the moment...the Type 127 error. Please be specific if it has a minus in front, like (-127). There are a few different 127 errors and here they are:
1. The -127 error is a problem with the directory structures of the hard
drive; this is the probable reason you cannot move it to the trash...the HD directory cannot properly handle it. Boot to your System Install CD > find the Utility's folder > run Disk First Aid > Repair. If it finds a problem it cannot fix, run Disk First Aid a couple of times.
This article describes using the Mac OS or System Install CD vs. the System Restore CDs.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=31204
2. There is also a -127 Menu Manager Error that can be caused by a corrupted Apple Menu Options Prefs file, or by other software that modifies the way menus work.
3. There is also a 127 error (no negative sign) and is related to the LaserWriter 8 printer driver. It usually pops up when a call is made to the driver and no printer has been specified in the Chooser. If you do not use this driver - simply disable it with extensions manager (or move it manually).
I would try the Disk First Aid first if it is a -127 (I would run Disk First Aid regardless) and see what you get. The bottom line is this: If a -127 directory error the DFA cannot repair, you need a robust utility like DiskWarrior for repairs, or reinitialize the HD and install a new OS 9.0.4. The HD has to be initialized...you cannot just install a new OS on top of what you already have.
I am sending this reply now in case you are waiting for me to respond, and will follow shortly with some other options.