Why is my DVD+RWs not writable anymore?

[jonarvid]

I have a TEAC Dv-W50D, and have been burning quite a number of DVDs with it. DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW and DVD+RW have all worked fine.

But suddenly, I'm unable to write to my DVD+RW disks, I get the message in Nero that the disk is not writable. Writing to DVD+R and (over)writing DVD-RW still works as always.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what has happened?

At first I thought that I had written to the DVD+RW too many times and that it was no longer rewritable, but this happened to all my DVD+RW disks at once, some of wchich have only been written to once before.

Edit: By the way, the DVD+RW (and DVD-RW) disks I'm using are Verbatim.

[andkiich]

Will it allow you to format the +RW disk?

[jonarvid]

No, it says that "This disc is not rewritable and therefore cannot be erased. Please insert a rewritable disc."

I can erase DVD-RWs as always, though.

[leebo]

Have you tried turning the computer off and then back on?

[aanaravs]

Does it only happen with 1 +RW disc or with all the +RWs?

[rkr1958]

Dirty lens or laser going out are two possible reasons. I had the same problem with my Sony DRU-500a. At first I thought my DVD-RW(s) were going bad, but this happen all at once. After I cleaned the lens I was able again to erase and write to my DVD-RWs.

Since then I replaced this writer with a Plextor 712a. Knock on wood, I've had no problem writing to the same DVD-RW(s).

[jonarvid]

This happens to all the DVD+RWs I have (about 20 of the same brand). I havent tried any unused DVD+RWs or other brands yet, as I hoped to be able to figure this one out without buying anything.

But perhaps I should try cleaning the laser lens... do you have to use a particular DVD lens cleaning kit, or is a CD-player cleaning kit good enough?

[koolaidwa]

wait

u sure u arnt looking at the RW label thinking there rw's?

because the RW logo is used on both +r and+rw's

look on the bottom of the disc, if its blue/pupleish its not a RW

its its like a silverish color then its a RW

edit, RW as the black and white logo

i just fully read ur problem, u only got one dvd burner? got a friend with one to test the disks out?

u know u gotta actully reformat them right?

[jonarvid]

Yes, I know they are RW's because I've rewritten most of them at least once already.

I know they have to be reformatted(or erased) but the writing software wont let me do that anymore. Seems the drive recognizes the +RWs a +Rs...

Even tried updating the writers firmware, which didnt change anything.

The one thing I can think of that has happened lately is that service pack 2 (XP) was installed by the IT-dept. Could that influence things?

[jonarvid]

Now I've gotten hold of some other DVD+RW media and it seems like they work fine. So it is the Verbatim DVD+RWs that no longer work as DVD+RWs, and not the DVD burner.

I'm puzzled.