I have confirmed that my DVD drive is working fine (reads other disks). I insert the disks and I can hear my drive trying to read it, then it gives up. When I go to My Computer, it's showing no disk in the drive. I have Vista 64 bit. I purchased a Windows PC DVD version of Skyrim. What could be causing this and what can I do about it?

Some people have mentioned this issue. It could be a problematic drive, the disc itself, or an operating system issue. You are positive that it is reading DVDs, because DVD drives are multiple lasers.

There is a work-around, simply load up Steam and enter the Activation key. Steam will download the game directly from the Internet so the disc is not required. Granted, if you have a less than speedy Internet source then it could take a while. The game is about 5.6GB including the patch.

I have tested multiple DVDs and the drive is working fine. I noticed that Bethesda tech support is only open certain hours during the week. Seriously?

I'm TOTALLY new to Steam. I noticed there is a Steam code inside my game box. How do I download Steam? I clicked a link a few minutes ago that let me create a Steam help desk account. That wasn't what I was trying to do.

I have the fastest internet Cox Communications offers so I don't MIND doing that if I have to.

More info: My work laptop recognized the disk. It's a Windows 7 machine, 64 bit. This is the first disk I've had that my computer won't recognize.