slysoft.com/en/anydvd.html - AnyDVD
Similar to DVD Region Free posted earlier and comes highly recommended.
If you go out and buy an new drive :loco: you’ll still have to remove the region lock in other parts of the DVD pathway (OS, playback software etc.)
DVDGenie used to work with the common players (PowerDVD, WinDVD etc.) but I’m not sure if it still does.
And we have liftoff (I think). I tried the freeware suggested by Ilary, and it seems to work. Yay! Thanks to all of you, especially Irishstu and BFM. I can’t believe how quick and helpful you were. Thank you.
:bravo: 
:bravo: :bravo: :bravo:
Any new developments in this area? I just popped in a region 1 for the first time and it wouldn’t play. I’m using a SONY DVD RW AW-G170A. I want to be able to play US, British and Taiwan region disks at will, and not just switch a limited number of times then have it lock up or some such bullshit. I’m trying to download the VLC thing now, but am wondering if any other new fixes have come along lately since this thread is a bit stale. :help:
I use a program called DVD43. It has other functions, too, but also overrides the region coding. Use at your own risk.
Download VLC media player. I have had no problems playing any regional disks with it. It is a very solid player especially if you like to download torrents. I have an old dvd drive but this software plays all regions as far as I have tried. Hope you get it downloaded DB.
Got VLC working – thanks all for the info on that! 