AJD,
Unfortunately, the laptop OS has nothing to do with the format. There are about 20 different types of DVD & CD standards worldwide because every manufacturer wants their standard to be the one all the consumers use so they can get all the cash. First, you need to find out what type of CD it is you're trying to read. Video game / music / video CD / super video CD / CDs with Surestore copyright protection / multi-session CDs / CDI format / etc. Then you need to look up the type of DVD player you have (verify if it is rebranded or not) and then find out what type of formats the DVD player reads. I'm betting the DVD doesn't read the type of CD you happen to have.
It's a sad fact of life that in order to read every single different type of CD, you are going to have to get a dozen or so different DVD/CD players. If you're only going to read one specific type of CD, I would advise finding a DVD or CD player for your laptop that reads that specific format and either selling or storing away your current DVD player.
Sorry I couldn't help more.
Catadmin - MCSA