Cannot play vCD (video CD) disk after Windows Update

[Paul Khan]

Sony V505DXP computer with Matsu****a UJDA755 DVD/CDRW drive.
Used to be able to play music CD, DVD movies and vCD disks.
The vCD disks were commercially produced movies (martial arts etc).

Did an Autoupdate the other day and received a bunch of Hot Fixes including
SP2 patches.

Then the problem appeared.

The drive can still play music CD and DVD movies but NO LONGER recognizes
vCD disk.
When a vCD disk is inserted into the drive, the drive goes round and round,
Autoplay in WMP 10 flshlight sweeps back and forth and then the computer
hangs up. It is necessary to turn the power off the get out of the situation.

I have reinstalled the driver for the DVD/CDRW. No luck.

I believe this is a Software problem. Is it a file association issue?

Please note that most vCDs (like the ones I have) do not have an Autoplay
file.

Have WMP 10, InterDideo 4, Real Player and Herosoft's latest vidoe player
(the last problem was paraticularly good with vCDs).

Would appreciate any advice.

Cannot do System Restore to get to the old state.

Warm in Boston (so far)