DVD Tech Genius Needed - DVD writer only comes up as -R

[lcarus]

Hi there, I'm having a nightmare trying to get my DVD writer to work. The problem is this...

I have tried 4 different DVD +/-RW drives in my PC and they're only ever recognised as having the DVD- -R write option. I have tried updating my bios, I have tried different manufacturers of DVD drive and I windows updated my machine 'til it's blue in the face!

My system -

Intel P4 2533mhz
1gig ram
WinXP Pro
SA7 motherboard
Current DVD writer Emprex 1008

I totally lost now - any help much appreciated!

[Justin42]

Have you tried just putting a +R disc in the drive and burning? Many times "-R" is just used as an abbreviation for recordable disc in general. You don't have to "select" that you're burning a +R disc, it will just work (As long as the drive is truly a dual +R/-R drive)

If you've tried, and it's refused to burn a +R disc, make sure you're using the most up to date version of your burning software.

[Red96TA]

Emprex? Never hear of it...

That may be your problem. What chipset is it built on? The solution if it's a generic is to take it back and pic up a Sony or Pioneer since they're reasonably priced these days...not like when I got my 105 for $350!

[lcarus]

Thanks for the reply - I have tried a +R it said the media type is unsupported. I've got the lastest version of the burning software and that didn't work either.

I was wondering whether it was something to do with my SIS ide drivers but I can't work out where to uninstall the old drivers...

[Justin42]

It doesn't seem like drivers would affect many different models of DVD writers -- i.e., I can't see how bad drivers could cause 4 different models of drive to freak out, since the drive itself handles this sort of thing... were the 4 different units you've tried different models or just the same model exchanged 4 times?

Have you tried different brands of +R media?

[Spence]

Tried a firmware update?

[andyp1]

I may be wrong and I'm sure someone will soon tell me if I am, but Isn't an Emprex1008 a rebadged BTC1008 .
The BTC1008 is very picky about what media it recognises wether it be + or - . A friend of mine has the BTC unit. ( I told him to get a Pioneer but will people listen.)