HELP, problem burning to DVD+R

[askungen]

We got a SAMSUNG SE-W164 and using Verbatim and Sony DVD+R discs. Fails. DVD+RW works. Problems with drive or disks? Burning program Nero.7 and Imgburn. Please help we're running out of money and patience.

Errorlog from Nero;

********** Nero Recode **********

Version: 2.3.7.0
---

---

Project type: Copy entire DVD
Target size: DVD5 (2282925)

Burn settings:
Target: TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SH-W162C
Number of copies: 1
Write speed: 0 KB/s
Temp folder: C:\Documents and Settings\---\Mina dokument\Nero Omkodning (2723401728 bytes free)
Direct burning: false
Target media: DVD R/RW; DVD R DL; DVD-RAM
Shutdown when finished: false
Advanced Analysis: false
Compress Adaptive: true

18:49:57 File burn_dvdfiles.cpp, Line 238
Compile DVD: init

VMG Menus Vobs [1 vobus] 0.13MB -> 0.13MB [R 1.00]
Video: 0.13MB, extra: 0.00MB
Audio: 0 streams
Subpicture: 1 streams
0. 0. Ospecificerat 0.00MB [enabled]

VTS_01 Title Vobs [7643 vobus] 2960.49MB -> 2960.49MB [R 1.00]
Video: 2837.02MB, extra: 123.47MB
Audio: 1 streams
0. 0. Dolby Digital 2-ch Ospecificerat 108.54MB [enabled]
Subpicture: 0 streams

18:49:57 File burn_dvdfiles.cpp, Line 1245
Compile DVD: begin copy 1

18:49:57 File NeroRecorderBase.cpp, Line 517
Writing to disc: D

18:49:57 File NeroRecorderBase.cpp, Line 531
Free capacity on disc: 2283085 sectors (2295104)

18:49:57 File burn_dvdfiles.cpp, Line 514
Using previously transcoded files for burning

18:49:57 File NeroRecorderBase.cpp, Line 1392
Burning 8 files with total size of 3104555008 bytes on hard disk

18:49:57 File burn_dvdfiles.cpp, Line 1245
Compile DVD: begin copy 1

---****

Windows XP 5.1
IA32
WinAspi: File 'Wnaspi32.dll': Ver=4.60 (1021), size=45056 bytes, created 2001-02-01 15:10:18
ahead WinASPI: File 'C:\Program\Nero\Nero 7\Core\Wnaspi32.dll': Ver=2.0.1.74, size=164112 bytes, created 2004-11-02 12:54:32

NT-SPTI used
Nero API version: 7.5.9.0
Using interface version: 7.0.5.6
Installed in: C:\Program\Nero\Nero 7\Core\
Application: Ahead\Nero Recode
Internal Version: 7, 5, 9, 0

Recorder: <TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SH-W162C>Version: TS07 - HA 1 TA 2 - 7.5.9.0
Adapter driver: <USB 2.0> HA 1
Drive buffer : 2048kB
Bus Type : set to ATAPI (3) -> ATAPI, detected: ?

=== Scsi-Device-Map ===
DiskPeripheral : HTS548040M9AT00 atapi Port 0 ID 0 DMA: On
CdRomPeripheral : PHILIPS CDRW/DVD CDD5263 atapi Port 0 ID 1 DMA: On

=== CDRom-Device-Map ===
PHILIPS CDRW/DVD CDD5263 D: CDRom0
TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SH-W162C G: CDRom2
=======================

AutoRun : 1
Excluded drive IDs:
WriteBufferSize: 73400320 (0) Byte
BUFE : 0
Physical memory : 503MB (515452kB)
Free physical memory: 302MB (309332kB)
Memory in use : 39
Uncached PFiles: 0x0
Use Inquiry : 1
Global Bus Type: default (0)
Check supported media : Disabled (0)

21.7.2007
NeroAPI
18:49:58 #1 Phase 112 File APIProgress.cpp, Line 282
DVD-Video files reallocation started

18:49:58 #2 Phase 114 File APIProgress.cpp, Line 282
DVD-Video files reallocation completed (no file modified)

18:49:58 #3 Phase 111 File APIProgress.cpp, Line 282
DVD-Video files sorted

18:49:58 #4 Text 0 File SCSIPTICommands.cpp, Line 411
LockMCN - completed sucessfully for IOCTL_STORAGE_MCN_CONTROL

18:49:58 #5 ISO9660GEN -11 File Geniso.cpp, Line 3332
First writeable address = 0 (0x00000000)

18:49:58 #6 ISO9660GEN -11 File Geniso.cpp, Line 3332
First writeable address = 0 (0x00000000)

18:49:58 #7 Text 0 File Burncd.cpp, Line 3451
Turn on Disc-At-Once, using DVD media

18:49:58 #8 Text 0 File DlgWaitCD.cpp, Line 306
Last possible write address on media: 2295103 (510:01.28, 4482MB)
Last address to be written: 1516431 (336:59.06, 2961MB)

18:49:58 #9 Text 0 File DlgWaitCD.cpp, Line 318
Write in overburning mode: NO (enabled: CD)

18:49:58 #10 Text 0 File DlgWaitCD.cpp, Line 2903
Recorder: TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SH-W162C, Media type: DVD+R
Disc Manufacturer ID: MCC, Media Type ID: 004, Product revision number: 0
Disc Application Code: 0, Extended Information Indicators: 7

18:49:58 #11 Text 0 File DlgWaitCD.cpp, Line 490
>>> Protocol of DlgWaitCD activities: <<<
=========================================

18:49:58 #12 Text 0 File ThreadedTransferInterface.cpp, Line 821
Setup items (after recorder preparation)
0: TRM_DATA_MODE1 ()
2 indices, index0 (150) not provided
original disc pos #0 + 1516432 (1516432) = #1516432/336:59.7
relocatable, disc pos for caching/writing not required/ required
-> TRM_DATA_MODE1, 2048, config 0, wanted index0 0 blocks, length 1516432 blocks [G: TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SH-W162C]
--------------------------------------------------------------

18:49:58 #13 Text 0 File ThreadedTransferInterface.cpp, Line 1024
Prepare [G: TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SH-W162C] for write in CUE-sheet-DAO
DAO infos:
==========
MCN: ""
TOCType: 0x00; Session Closed, disc fixated
Tracks 1 to 1: Idx 0 Idx 1 Next Trk
1: TRM_DATA_MODE1, 2048/0x00, FilePos 0 0 3105652736, ISRC ""
DAO layout:
===========
___Start_|____Track_|_Idx_|_CtrlAdr_|_____Size_|__ ____NWA_|_RecDep__________
0 | lead-in | 0 | 0x41 | 0 | 0 | 0x00
0 | 1 | 0 | 0x41 | 1516432 | 0 | 0x00
0 | 1 | 1 | 0x41 | 1516432 | 0 | 0x00
1516432 | lead-out | 1 | 0x41 | 0 | 0 | 0x00

18:49:58 #14 Text 0 File SCSIPTICommands.cpp, Line 209
SPTILockVolume - completed successfully for FCTL_LOCK_VOLUME

18:49:58 #15 Phase 24 File APIProgress.cpp, Line 282
Caching of files started

18:49:58 #16 Text 0 File Burncd.cpp, Line 4278
Cache writing successful.

18:49:58 #17 Phase 25 File APIProgress.cpp, Line 282
Caching of files completed

18:49:58 #18 Phase 36 File APIProgress.cpp, Line 282
Burn process started at 16x (22*160 KB/s)

18:49:58 #19 Text 0 File ThreadedTransferInterface.cpp, Line 2743
Verifying disc position of item 0 (relocatable, disc pos, no patch infos, orig at #0): write at #0

18:49:58 #20 Text 0 File Cdrdrv.cpp, Line 9234
---- DVD Structure: Physical Format Information (00h) ----
Media Type: 0, Layer: 0, Address: 0 (0 h), AGID: 0; Length: 2050
Book Type: DVD+R (10), Part Version: 1.0x (1)
Disc Size: 120 mm, Maximum Rate: <not specified> (F h)
Number of Layers: 1, Track Path: Parallel Track Path (PTP), Layer Type: recordable
Linear Density: 0,267 um/bit, Track Density: 0,74 um/track
Starting Physical Sector Number of Data Area: 30000 h (DVD-ROM, DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R/+RW)
End Physical Sector Number of Data Area: 26053F h
End Sector Number in Layer 0: 0 h (LBN: FFFD0000 h, 4193920 MB)
Data in Burst Cutting Area (BCA) does not exist
Disc Application Code: 0 / 0 h
Extended Information indicators: 7 h
Disc Manufacturer ID: MCC.....
Media type ID: 004
Product revision number: 0
Number of Physical format information bytes in use in ADIP up to byte 63: 56
Media Specific [16..63]:
00 00 07 4D 43 43 00 00 - 00 00 00 30 30 34 00 38 ...MCC.....004.8
23 54 00 00 00 00 00 00 - 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 #T..............
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 - 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................

18:49:58 #21 Text 0 File Cdrdrv.cpp, Line 9234
---- DVD Structure: Physical Format Information (00h) ----
Media Type: 0, Layer: 0, Address: 0 (0 h), AGID: 0; Length: 2050
Book Type: DVD+R (10), Part Version: 1.0x (1)
Disc Size: 120 mm, Maximum Rate: <not specified> (F h)
Number of Layers: 1, Track Path: Parallel Track Path (PTP), Layer Type: recordable
Linear Density: 0,267 um/bit, Track Density: 0,74 um/track
Starting Physical Sector Number of Data Area: 30000 h (DVD-ROM, DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R/+RW)
End Physical Sector Number of Data Area: 26053F h
End Sector Number in Layer 0: 0 h (LBN: FFFD0000 h, 4193920 MB)
Data in Burst Cutting Area (BCA) does not exist
Disc Application Code: 0 / 0 h
Extended Information indicators: 7 h
Disc Manufacturer ID: MCC.....
Media type ID: 004
Product revision number: 0
Number of Physical format information bytes in use in ADIP up to byte 63: 56
Media Specific [16..63]:
00 00 07 4D 43 43 00 00 - 00 00 00 30 30 34 00 38 ...MCC.....004.8
23 54 00 00 00 00 00 00 - 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 #T..............
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 - 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................

18:49:58 #22 Text 0 File Cdrdrv.cpp, Line 9234
---- DVD Structure: Physical Format Information (00h) ----
Media Type: 0, Layer: 0, Address: 0 (0 h), AGID: 0; Length: 2050
Book Type: DVD+R (10), Part Version: 1.0x (1)
Disc Size: 120 mm, Maximum Rate: <not specified> (F h)
Number of Layers: 1, Track Path: Parallel Track Path (PTP), Layer Type: recordable
Linear Density: 0,267 um/bit, Track Density: 0,74 um/track
Starting Physical Sector Number of Data Area: 30000 h (DVD-ROM, DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R/+RW)
End Physical Sector Number of Data Area: 26053F h
End Sector Number in Layer 0: 0 h (LBN: FFFD0000 h, 4193920 MB)
Data in Burst Cutting Area (BCA) does not exist
Disc Application Code: 0 / 0 h
Extended Information indicators: 7 h
Disc Manufacturer ID: MCC.....
Media type ID: 004
Product revision number: 0
Number of Physical format information bytes in use in ADIP up to byte 63: 56
Media Specific [16..63]:
00 00 07 4D 43 43 00 00 - 00 00 00 30 30 34 00 38 ...MCC.....004.8
23 54 00 00 00 00 00 00 - 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 #T..............
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 - 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................

18:49:58 #23 Text 0 File DVDR.cpp, Line 8070
Drive: TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SH-W162C
Book Type request [TSST]: DVD-ROM
Changing the Book Type was finished successfully, return code 0

18:49:58 #24 CDR -1207 File DVDR.cpp, Line 6174
Book Type automatically set to: DVD-ROM

18:49:58 #25 Text 0 File DVDPlusRW.cpp, Line 674
Start write address at LBA 0
DVD high compatibility mode: Yes

18:59:59 #26 SPTI -600 File SCSIPassThrough.cpp, Line 179
CdRom2: SCSIStatus(x00) WinError(121) NeroError(-600)
Sense Key: 0x00 (KEY_NO_SENSE)
Sense Code: 0x00
Sense Qual: 0x00
CDB Data: 0x2A 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 20 00 00 00
Sense Area: 0x00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
Buffer x22040040: Len x10000
0x00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
0x00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
0x00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

18:59:59 #27 CDR -600 File Writer.cpp, Line 299
Device not available
G: TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SH-W162C

19:00:20 #28 SPTI -1114 File SCSIPassThrough.cpp, Line 179
CdRom2: SCSIStatus(x02) WinError(0) NeroError(-1114)
Sense Key: 0x06 (KEY_UNIT_ATTENTION)
Sense Code: 0x29
Sense Qual: 0x00
CDB Data: 0x35 02 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
Sense Area: 0x70 00 06 00 00 00 00 0A 00 00 00 00 29

19:00:20 #29 SPTI -1033 File SCSIPassThrough.cpp, Line 179
CdRom2: SCSIStatus(x02) WinError(0) NeroError(-1033)
Sense Key: 0x02 (KEY_NOT_READY)
Sense Code: 0x04
Sense Qual: 0x01
CDB Data: 0x5B 01 05 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
Sense Area: 0x70 00 02 00 00 00 00 0A 00 00 00 00 04 01

19:00:20 #30 Phase 127 File APIProgress.cpp, Line 282
Generating DVD high compatibility borders

19:00:28 #31 CDR -1114 File WriterStatus.cpp, Line 162
Reset occurred
G: TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SH-W162C

19:00:28 #32 TRANSFER -24 File WriterStatus.cpp, Line 162
Could not perform end of Disc-at-once

19:00:28 #33 Phase 38 File APIProgress.cpp, Line 282
Burn process failed at 16x (22*160 KB/s)

19:00:29 #34 Text 0 File SCSIPTICommands.cpp, Line 254
SPTIDismountVolume - completed successfully for FSCTL_DISMOUNT_VOLUME

19:00:32 #35 Text 0 File Cdrdrv.cpp, Line 10467
DriveLocker: UnLockVolume completed

19:00:32 #36 Text 0 File SCSIPTICommands.cpp, Line 411
UnLockMCN - completed sucessfully for IOCTL_STORAGE_MCN_CONTROL


Existing drivers:
File 'Drivers\ADPU160M.SYS': Ver=v3.60a (Lab01_N(johnstra).010529-2218), size=101888 bytes, created 2001-08-17 23:07:32
File 'WNASPINT.DLL': Ver=V1.18, size=57344 bytes, created 2002-11-05 15:16:52
File 'Drivers\PXHELP20.SYS': Ver=2.03.32a, size=20640 bytes, created 2006-01-06 18:52:42 (Prassi/Veritas driver for win 2K)

Registry Keys:
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WinLogon\AllocateCDROMs : 0 (Security Option)


19:00:33 File NeroRecorderBase.cpp, Line 1198
Burn failed (3)

19:00:34 File burn_dvdfiles.cpp, Line 308
Compile DVD: exit

[VegasBud]

askungen,

The problem isn't the disks you're using, it's the drive, or more specifically the connection between the drive and the computer.

The log shows that the software and the drive lost the ability to communicate, followed by a either a power-on reset, or a bus device reset of the drive. Once the software and the drive lost contact, the burn couldn't be completed.

Since it's a USB external drive, were you doing anything else with the USB at the same time. If so, that isn't a good idea.

You can check the USB cable connections at the computer and the external box. If they look good, you can try a different USB cable. You should also check the power connection to the external box and at the wall.

If that doesn't work, is this a new external box/drive that hasn't worked yet, or something that used to work, but doesn't anymore?

If it's new, you should consider returning/exchanging it.

[VegasBud]

askungen,

Sorry...I forgot to say "Welcome to VideoHelp".

[askungen]

Thanx, for the answer. This drive has been working fine for a long time. The only other thing connected to the computer via USB is the Mouse, and its connected via anonther USB port. We will take that away. And also buy another USB cable. Mabey it will solve our problems.

Still, the strangest thing is when you put in an DVD+RW instead of a DVD+R it works fine. Mabey just an coinsidens?

[VegasBud]

askungen,

I have seen references that firmware could be the cause of that problem, but I've never seen it firsthand, nor can I picture how outdated firmware could cause a shutdown - reset of the drive. However, in this case, where the drive was working, and isn't anymore, it might be worth it to you to update the firmware. After all, it's unlikely a USB cable would go bad, which raises the question of whether the drive is reaching the end of its' lifespan, or just having a really hard time dealing with media that didn't exist when your current firmware was written. In that case, a more vigorous pursuit of a solution would be warranted. A drive that burns +RW but not +R certainly sounds like a candidate for a firmware update.

This page has a link to version TS11 firmware for your external drive. Since you currently are using version TS07, it should represent a big change. It might be safer to use the "Firmware LiveUpdate Program" which Samsung has. If you don't still have it from when you got the drive, you can get a new version of the program here. It's supposed to handle the firmware download and update automatically, which makes it easy for you, and removes human error as a factor.

[Bjs]

Ah ... samsungs , you either like them ... or get rid of them

Check "auto start" is disabled for unit , it can triger the issue

And whoa down the burn speed , recommend half media's max , but with usb , half that again .

Normal recommendation = 4x

Some usb devices dont get along with others

And it had better have its own power supply , or you'll stuff the pc right up ... usb dvd burners normally need 2 amps , you go shoving it into a pc , and your asking for "usb reset os warning" ... which means , go get a new motherboard .

Dont use the pc while its burning

Use imgburn instead rather than nero

Try other dvd+r ... but dvd-r is more cross compatable .

[askungen]

Very many thanks for the tips and links!!!

Ok, now we have updated the firmware to version TS11 and the burn speed is down to 4x. We dont use the PC while burning and nothing else is connected to other USB ports. The power connection to the drive is OK. We still use the same USB cable.

But... still the same problem. When we put in a Verbatim DVD+R;
(excerpt from NERO errorlog)

08:24:28 #21 SPTI -600 File SCSIPassThrough.cpp, Line 179
CdRom1: SCSIStatus(x00) WinError(121) NeroError(-600)
Sense Key: 0x00 (KEY_NO_SENSE)
Sense Code: 0x00
Sense Qual: 0x00
CDB Data: 0x2A 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 20 00 00 00
Sense Area: 0x00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
Buffer x07150040: Len x10000
0x00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
0x00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
0x00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

08:24:28 #22 CDR -600 File Writer.cpp, Line 299
Device not available
E: TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SH-W162C

08:24:51 #23 SPTI -1114 File SCSIPassThrough.cpp, Line 179
CdRom1: SCSIStatus(x02) WinError(0) NeroError(-1114)
Sense Key: 0x06 (KEY_UNIT_ATTENTION)
Sense Code: 0x29
Sense Qual: 0x00
CDB Data: 0x35 02 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
Sense Area: 0x70 00 06 00 00 00 00 0A 00 00 00 00 29

08:24:51 #24 SPTI -1033 File SCSIPassThrough.cpp, Line 179
CdRom1: SCSIStatus(x02) WinError(0) NeroError(-1033)
Sense Key: 0x02 (KEY_NOT_READY)
Sense Code: 0x04
Sense Qual: 0x01
CDB Data: 0x5B 01 05 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
Sense Area: 0x70 00 02 00 00 00 00 0A 00 00 00 00 04 01

08:24:52 #25 Phase 127 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1746
Generating DVD high compatibility borders

08:25:01 #26 CDR -1114 File WriterStatus.cpp, Line 162
Reset occurred
E: TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SH-W162C

08:25:01 #27 TRANSFER -24 File WriterStatus.cpp, Line 162
Could not perform end of Disc-at-once

08:25:02 #28 Phase 38 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1746
Burn process failed at 4x (5 540 KB/s)

And when we use TDK DVD+RW;
(excerpt from NERO errorlog)

08:49:48 #20 Text 0 File WriterStatus.cpp, Line 113
<E: TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SH-W162C> start writing Lead-Out at LBA 2093014 (1FEFD6h), length 0 blocks

08:49:49 #21 Phase 37 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1746
Burn process completed successfully at 4x (5 540 KB/s)

And now a new problem has occured, When we burn to a TDK DVD+RW, Nero AND especially ImgBurn gets "Buffer underrun" Nero burns to the end, but ImgBurn has to"wait for buffer to recover" The disc also (and this happend before the firmware were updated)stops and jump back to the beginning.

A bit confusing... adding the complete errorlog for Verbatim (fails) and TDK +RW (succeded)


tr.tdk%20dvd+rw.cen.log.txt

tr.verbatim.cen.log.txt

[askungen]

...and then it suddenly works... with Verbatim! Widhout changing a thing.
(excerpt from NERO errorlog)


11:23:24 #21 Text 0 File WriterStatus.cpp, Line 113
<E: TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SH-W162C> start writing Lead-Out at LBA 2093014 (1FEFD6h), length 0 blocks

11:24:31 #22 Phase 37 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1746
Burn process completed successfully at 4x (5 540 KB/s)

After burning it to a +RW disc.

The reading buffer still doesnt work well. It sinks to 0%.The little lamp on the burner stops blinking (it indicates that the machine burns) And then the buffer rises to 100% and the machine starts to burn again for about 5-10 times during the burn process.




verbatim%20succeded%20log.txt

[Krispy Kritter]

Nero and/or ImgBurn reporting that the read buffer is 0, would seem to indicate that the burning app(s) aren't able to pull the data fast enough from the HDD. The burner is pulling and burning the data faster than the app can buffer and feed it. This would seem to indicate a pc/software issue and not the burner. But it doesn't help to explain why the problem varies with different media.

[VegasBud]

askungen,

You're right that the same problem is still occurring. When a burn doesn't work, the logs show the following pattern:
1) atapi error 000000 - means the computer and drive have lost communication with each other
2) atapi error 062900 - means either there was a drive power-on reset or there was a bus device reset
3) atapi error 020401 - means the drive is still initializing, and isn't ready yet

If you have an external hard drive or flash drive, you could try moving a large file from-to the external device and see if there is an error with usb on your computer. If it works without error, the only thing left is some part of the external burner. An alternative check would be to plug your external burner into a different computer and see if the same problem exists. If so, it's definitely the drive...if not, your computer may be the source of the problem.

I don't think the buffer problem you mention would cause a failure like you're getting. Even a severe shortage of data shouldn't cause a drive/bus device reset.

[askungen]

Now I think the problem is solved. I found this answer on the samsung site;

"Inferior of a driver¡¯s pick-up (when the strength of light in the lens area is weak). The OPC is the special area located in the center of a recordable CD. Before recording a data on a track of a CD, a CD recorder must control a power amount of laser to get the best level for the resent CD. The OPC is already set up to operate this operation. But in case a pick-up is an inferior, misrecognition or incorrect recording could be occurred."

Link;
http://www.samsungodd.com/eng/Support/Helper/Helper.asp?Functionvalue=Searchlist&Produ...de=SDR&type=13

I know its about burning CDs but I taught it was worth trying. I bought a lens cleaner, cleaned the lens and now the DVD burner has been working fine for sveral discs (VerbatimDVD+R)!!! At the second burn a little buffer underrun occured, but the result on the disc was fine. I shall also add that I opened up the DVDburner case (it is an exernal drive) and tried to change to SONY/NEC burner. It didnt work, so I put the SAMSUNG burner back.

[VegasBud]

askungen,

The excerpt you posted from the samsung site concerns power calibration. If power calibration was the problem, the burn log would have reported atapi error 037303, or maybe atapi errors 017301 or 037302. Since those errors never occurred in the logs, that wasn't your problem.

If the problem is fixed, it's most likely there was a bad connection in the external box. When you removed the drive and re-inserted it (redoing the connections), you might have gotten a good connection. To be honest, I would feel more secure in this solution to your problem if I could grasp how a connection inside an external box could go from good to intermittent.

If the problem doesn't resurface, congratulations on finding a solution. If the problem does return, don't hesitate to post back to this thread.