Issue with DRU-500a

[The_dude]

I need help from anyone who thinks that they might have a solution to my issue. I am using a sony dru-500a and have the latest firmware installed. XP can detect the drive and all looks like it should be ok. It can read cds and audio discs but when it comes to DVDs I am having no luck. I have tried almost everything form removing it from the system to changing settings on the ide controller. Does anyone have any ideas?

[Hardcoreruss]

I believe the laser that reads dvd discs is not the same as the one for cd's (the amplitude changes ?!?!). It is possible that it will read cd's and not dvd's.

Has this only just started happening ?, I would take it back and get a replacement.

[will_sickly_33+]

I may be going way out on a limb here but a few months ago I installed some region free software for my DVD-rom drive which turned my DVD burner into a CD-Rom only.
Only when I un-installed the software could I burn DVD's again.
I checked and replaced cables, swicthed the configuration, everything, and only stumbled on the solution by accident.
Man was I relieved!
A long shot I know.
Good luck
Bill

[ebenton]

I believe the laser that reads dvd discs is not the same as the one for cd's (the amplitude changes ?!?!).

It's the wavelength. And it might be a bad laser. It might also be some region-free software, like will_sickly_33+ suggests.

[handyguy]

Sony dot com has live support via online chat & its free. I used it, its really cool. Sounds like you might need a new unit or another type of media.