How to get my Linux system to recognize a video CD or DVD?

[joe at actionline.com]

A friend gave me a CD or DVD with a copy of a video made with their
digital camera.

When I put the disc in my Linux box external CD/DVD drive, it is not
recognized. Nada.

When I put the same disc in my wife's windblows laptop, it plays fine.

All other discs that I put in my Linux box CD/DVD drive work fine. I can
play anything else that I have tried and I can burn both CDs and DVDs
successfully.