I don't know if this is related to the previously described problems, but my disk would not work in my old computer. (Win 98 SE - 1GHZ AMD cpu)
When I placed it in the drive the install screen came up but I heard a very fast whine and very noticable vibration from my CD Drive. The Install kept slowing down and pausing until, at about 75% done, It stopped entirely!
Concerned, I took the disk out and looked at it:
It was NOT warped or visually defective.
I next put it in the CD/DVD combo drive I have in my new computer. NO Problems!
(I did hear the drive speed up...) Since I was going to play it mostly in the new computer, I didn't try to return it.
Just thought you might be interested hearing about this...