Q: Problem with DVD player on Macbook late 2009, newly upgraded to El Capitan

Hello SPJ,

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.

If I understand your post correctly you are experiencing unexpected shut downs since installing new RAM, and you're having an issue where the DVD Player app is becoming unresponsive.  First, I suggest that we begin troubleshooting the cause of the kernel panics (random shutdowns) you've been experiencing.  Go through the troubleshooting below to see if the shut downs are being caused by the RAM you've installed:

Isolate hardware or software as the cause of the issue

To try to figure out if the issue is related to software or hardware, use the computer with a fresh installation of OS X on an external drive.

1. Start the Mac from OS X Recovery. 
   If a kernel panic still occurs when started from Recovery, there is likely a hardware issue. See the "Hardware troubleshooting" section below for additional information.
2. Open Disk Utility and use "Repair Disk" on your Mac's internal hard drive (named Macintosh HD by default).
   
   Important: If Disk Utility is unable to repair the internal drive, you should back up your important data immediately and if possible, reformat the drive. Consider bringing the Mac to a Genius at an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider for further diagnosis. Be sure to ask that, if the drive needs reformatting or replacing, they contact you about escalating your case to a special data recovery service. If you plan to visit an Apple Retail store, you can make a reservation (available in some countries only).
    
3. Connect an external drive with at least 10 GB of free space. Note: Make sure the external drive does not cause kernel panics, and is the only device on its USB, FireWire, or Thunderbolt port. Connecting the external drive and its cables to another Mac can help make sure the drive does not cause kernel panics. 
4. Install OS X on the external drive.
5. Start up from the external drive.
6. Use Software Update to install all updates until it reports "Your software is up to date."
7. Don't install additional software on the external drive, but instead use the Apple applications to surf the web, view QuickTime movies, email, print, scan, and/or other activities. Continue using your Mac for the amount of time it would usually take for the issue to occur.
8. If a panic occurs, select the "Hardware troubleshooting" section below to further diagnose the issue.
   If a panic does not occur, select the "Software troubleshooting" section below article to further diagnose the issue.

Hardware troubleshooting

Disconnect the external drive used in the above test to determine if the kernel panic is due to a hardware issue.

Check peripheral devices first

Go to the next section if you have no devices attached to your Mac.

1. Turn off your Mac.
2. Disconnect all peripheral devices. If you have a desktop Mac, make sure all you have connected is a display and Apple keyboard with Apple mouse or trackpad.
3. Turn on your Mac.
4. Use your Mac for the amount of time it would usually take for a kernel panic to occur.
5. If a kernel panic does occur: Proceed the next section to check the internal RAM and third-party hardware.
   If a kernel panic does not occur: Power down the Mac and connect one peripheral device at a time and test until a kernel panic occurs. 
    
   • Note: A combination of peripherals may be the cause of a kernel panic. Disconnect one peripheral at a time to see if it causes a kernel panic by itself. If the kernel panic does not occur, continue to add peripherals until you find the other peripheral needed to cause the kernel panic. 

Check internal RAM and third-party hardware

1. Turn off your Mac.
2. Reseat the Apple RAM, and remove third-party RAM and third-party internal hardware.  If you do not have the Apple RAM that came with the system, reseat the third-party RAM.
3. Turn on your Mac.
4. Use your Mac for the amount of time it would usually take for a kernel panic to occur.
5. If the kernel panic does not occur: The third-party RAM or internal third-party hardware may need to be replaced.
   If a kernel panic does occur:  Bring your Mac to an Apple Store, or an Apple Authorized Service Provider for service and support. Be sure to ask that, if the drive needs reformatting or replacing, they contact you about escalating your case to a special data recovery service. If you plan to visit an Apple Retail store, you can make a reservation (available in some countries only).

OS X: When your computer spontaneously restarts or displays "Your computer restarted because of a problem."

Take care,
Alex H.