_DVD playback on computer (only; NOT burning)_
It seems clear that the lack of DMA capability in my DVD-drive is
producing the quite unacceptible performance I get.
Q1.: 
Is the drive, model Hitachi GD-2500, really devoid of this capability,
or can it be converted/switched? Should I, instead, try the differnc
cable, perhaps?!
If neither has been found to _correct_ playback, then I take it
situation means a new purchase.
If new p., then,
Q2.: what is the best make & model you can recommend (seeing that good
Hitching no longer makes any such).

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Clarification of Question by uk_sharpless-ga on 17 Apr 2005 08:36 PDT

I am very SORRY: I did not add this important part of the case. 

First of all, it seems clear that DMA capability is LACKING from this
drive -- if the below finding is proof of it!! Thus, I have set IN
VAIN -- and I HAVE requested -- DMA for it "by setting it to use DMA
on the IDE bus item in the device manager" -- 'Transfer mode: DMA if
available', in W-XP (in Advanced settings for the IDE channel).

_finding_
The BIOS in its own way tells me somethng! Always, after selecting, in
BIOS setup, DMA2 or even 1, I find it has been reverted to DISABLED. 
Surely, that is its way of saying it definitely can't be done at this
particular drive!!?

In Windows, you can request DMA for a drive by setting it to use DMA
on the IDE bus item in the device manager.  May be slightly different
depending on the version of windows.

Go online and find a updated firmware for the drive. If there is know
update, try downloading the same version you have now. There may be a
clitch in your firmware. That model was released in 1998 and should
have in update by now.