Resolved HP replacing DVD/CD player.

Remains unsolved malfunction.

 

Bobby, I just found something on Youtube that may be worth trying. In W10 > Right click Start > Control Panel > Power Options > In Balanced > Change Plan settings > Change Advanced Power settings > Menu Power Options opens > Expand PCI express > Expand Link state power management > click on Moderate Power savings > open arrow drop down > Maximum Power Savings > OK > and close Control Panel. Go to Start button and Power Icon > Restart.
After comp has restarted - see if it plays video without freezing. Neil.
P.S. It might pay to print these instructions so that you get them in order.

 

Neil, thank you for your response, most appreciated. I carried out as detailed. The response to the DVD player (E) has certainly improved, as click of (E) is an immediate response as to previous 3+minutes. However with regards to insert of a DVD film remains the same but now more start/play/pause/play/pause. It certainly shows that we are much closer in finding an answer. My thanks again Neil.