can't burn over 1x

[james636]

After I updated to 2.1a I was still unable to burn at 4x. As a matter of fact, it has caused problems that I didn't experience before the update. I can't burn over 2x and whatever burning software I use, it flickers a lot. I also can't keep a constant burn speed. It goes from 1.0 to 0.9 to 0.6 back up to 1.0 and very seldomly tops 1.3. I went back to my original firmware which is 2.0g and now the problems still exists. Can I resolve this problem or is my drive permanly damaged. Oh yes, now it takes my 40 minutes to burn 3.0gb and before it only took about 20 minutes.

I'm running XP. My drive is a Sony 500A-DRU. 1.7ghz proccesor, and 256MB memory

[888888]

See if DMA is enabled. When I updated my firmware for my Optorite drive, I had identical problems and a kind forum member gave me the same advise, and it worked!

check in advanced settings tab in properties of the ide channel your drive is on.

[james636]

Thanks 888888, it was indeed that I was in PIO mode. I changed it back DMA and I was able to write at 2x. One thing though, The 2.1a update was said to allow a 4x burn speed and I'm only able to burn 2x. I'm using Verbatim DVD-r, which is said to be one of, if not the best media on the market. Does anybody use verbatim and is able to burn at 4x. What firmware does verbatim like in order to burn at 4x

[888888]

Glad I could help with the DMA. Verbatim has a spotty reputation but their newer discs seem to be made by good companies (MCC, TY). I would check to see it other media burns at 4x before blaming the burner. Don't have your SONY drive so I can't say much more. Good luck.