Memorex DLRWL1 sporadic compatibility

[Ralen]

I've had problems with this drive for quite some time, but I originally chalked it up to a lousy batch of DVDs. Now that I'm using expensive Verbatim discs and having the same problem, I'm more frustrated.

I originally tried burning Memorex DVD+R discs in Nero 6, and they would seemingly burn just fine, but when I tried to read the information on them, my computer would become very slow, and I could only navigate the disc contents if I was lucky. I could never open or copy files from the discs with any reliability. I started using "Verify files when done" on Nero after I noticed this, and the verification process would invariably fail. I knew the drive couldn't be the problem since I had burned a sample disc that came free with the writer with no trouble at all. I figured the problem was either with the software, or with the media. So I used Record Now to try and burn on the same Memorex +R discs, with the same results. I figured I had gotten a bad batch of discs, and tossed them out, picking up some Verbatims instead since I read that they're the most reliable.

Well now 18 months later while trying to back up my hard drive (I burn discs fairly rarely) I've encountered the same problem. I have two kinds of Verbatim discs, some 16x DVD +Rs and some 2.4x DVD +RWs. The RWs burn flawlessly with no problems at all. The +Rs have the exact same problem the Memorex +Rs had 18 months ago. They burn fine, but then fail the verification process. I figure the odds of getting two bad batches in a row are slim, and the odds of getting a faulty batch of Verbatim discs even slimmer, so the question is: what the hell is wrong with my DVD writer?

A supplemental question: a new dual layer burner on Newegg costs $40, and a spindle of 30 Verbatim +RWs costs $24. Seeing as it's probably best to just get a new burner, does anyone have any suggestions on a decent one? One that will hopefully work with the +R discs I already have (and any dual layer discs I may buy in the future)? I haven't been impressed with my current one (I also notice that it's been discontinued by Memorex.)

I appreciate any help or suggestions. I registered for this account in 2004 when I first got my DVD writer, and only just now got around to finally asking my question.

[unclebud]

Take a look at the media reports here...
https://www.videohelp.com/dvdwriters.php?DVDnameid=109&Search=Search&list=2#comments
Your drive is made by Liteon.
For DL drives, Pioneer, Plextor, Nec, Samsung are some brands I would recommend.

[Ralen]

Well just an update, my Memorex drive completely ruined a Memorex +RW disc. Not only did the burn process fail, but it made the disc wholly unreadable in any drive, preventing erasure and trying another burn.

But my new writer arrived today, a Samsung SH-S162L/BEBN (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16827151118) and not only does it burn the +R Verbatims that my other drive kept ruining, it burns them in about half the time (even though both drives were supposedly writing at 16x.)

[unclebud]

Congrats...
I've had 2 DVD and 3 CD burners go bad sense 1998. They don't seem to last very long depending on brand. (Sony, Ricoh, Plextor, Panasonic).
I have 4 Samsung 552x burners and all are working well almost 2 years in service.

[CrayonEater]

The NEC ND-3550a is a solid drive and you can get it for $33.

http://www.chiefvalue.com/product/productdetails.aspx?item=27-152-059

Aopen and Benq are also excellent drives and are cheap.

http://www.chiefvalue.com/product/productlist.aspx?linkid=107&submit=property&catalog=5&store=7

I'm a big fan of drives that will take pretty much anything. The NEC has, so far, taken everything I've thrown at it and liked it, except of course for RitekG05.