MacBook dvd region error - why?

I have a MacBook and often use it to watch dvds. For about 2 or 3 days it won't read any of my region 2 dvds at all, it says "The DVD-Video disc region does not match the drive region code. You cannot change the region code for your drive."

I have never changed the region code (this is a second hand MacBook but it has worked fine for 10 months) and I don't know what has prompted this message. I am newish to Macs and not really good at computers when they go wrong. Does anyone have any advice for me please?

Thanks in advance.

Download the VLC player to use for your DVDs and you can quit being concerned about the region code.

I have VLC (it looks like a traffic cone) but it won't recognise the (one) dvd I have tried in it. I press the play button and it waits a few seconds on pause then turns into a play button again.

PS I am new here. How can I see if I have a reply to my question if the thread leaves the little box of recent threads? Thanks.
Edit to add I have found out how to find threads I have started.

If your DVD player - burner in your Mac has had its region changed previously ( 4 X ) then you can no longer change it or reset it without a firmware update. Sometimes VLC is able to overcome region settings but nowadays with most new commercial DVDs, it can not. Since your Mac was purchased used, I suspect the region was already changed to the limit. In order to play your DVD, you probably will have to purchase an external DVD drive.

chscag said:

Since your Mac was purchased used, I suspect the region was already changed to the limit. In order to play your DVD, you probably will have to purchase an external DVD drive.

Click to expand...

Does changing the optical drive used circumvent this issue? I had it in my head that the DVD region codes were machine specific, not drive specific.

No, it's the drive itself. I've had drives that were maxed out and were able to be reset with a firmware update.

Good to know! You do learn something new every day after all.