Vista Unable to Read DVD

I've had this issue on multiple desktop computers. When accessing a DVD I am prompted to "Prepare this Blank Disc". In my case, this appears to be caused by installing VMWare server on my workstation. Potential solutions:

• repaired by reenabling autorun for the CD (disabled by VMWare Server) - not effective for me
• repaired by removing CD driver in device manager and the rescanning - worked once for me
• repaired by installing the latest version of Roxio burning software -worked once for me