Erm..real easy to fix actually.

ftp://rebeldefiance.clanteam.com/downloads/help.pdf

There is a helpfile link there that cures almost all known issues:

NO DVD ERROR
Despite 1.51 having the dvd check removed, some users experience an error message saying that no dvd is in the drive. This is caused by incorrect installation of the firststrike.exe. To cure it:
Go to C:\
Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\Battlefield 2142

Find two files, bf2142pace.exe (can also be called bf2142.exe or BF2142Launcher.exe) and also find FirstStrike.exe, both files are in the above address.

Copy BF2142pace (or whatever it is called it depends on version of 2142) to your desktop.

Rename your copied file to FirstStrike (must be spelled exactly as it is in your C:\ProgramFiles (x86)\Electronic Arts\Battlefield 2142 folder).

Now cut and paste your NEW FirstStrike.exe file to C:\Program Files (x86)
\ElectronicArts\Battlefield 2142 so it overwrites the previous version. Then try again.

The BF2142Pace.exe or whatever it is called file is about 6967kb or 7mb in size if that helps you locate it. The FS one needs to be about the same size, thats why we copy and paste.

Bite my shiny metal Tie Fighter!

Ok, what version did you patch 2142 up to? The mod is geared to work with patch 1.51.

May also be worth checking your resolution:

A common problem reported is a crash to desktop when first starting First Strike. This ismost often reported by users running widescreen resolutions. In order to allow First Strike to run widescreen, and show widescreen resolution options in game, we have included the ability to enable it from the First Strike launcher.

Open the launcher but do not hit deploy.
Click on file then preferences.
In the small windows is a field titled Arguments, in this field you can enter ANY resolutionyou wish. To enable widescreen options simply enter: +widescreen 1

Click apply then ok.

You can also use this same field to enter any resolution not supported from the in game options. To do this, again find the arguments field as above. This time enter +szx **** +szy*** substituting the asterisks for your resolution, eg +szx 1920 +szy 1080

Bite my shiny metal Tie Fighter!

Lol, standby for more help then:

To find servers running First Strike, first click on First Strike servers tab from the multiplayer menu. Ensure all buttons along the bottom are unchecked except for same version and same mod. Click update, the menu should now populate with all servers running First Strike.

Only the rebel defiance server is up and running at the moment though, I believe it is running multiplayer for the campaign, but I can switch it over to co-op so you can play against some bots and earn some stat points.

Bite my shiny metal Tie Fighter!