Optorite 0203 DVD +/- R/RW

[Mikeman2345]

This may be slightly "off topic", but hopefully someone can help. I have the Optorite DVD listed in the subject line. It has been updated to firmware v2.16. The computer basics are Asus Motherboard, AMD 2200+ CPU, 512MB ram and plenty of HD space. I am unable to write just data files or folders to the drive with DVD's in the drive using either NERO or the supplied B's Gold 5 software. (Both are updated to latest revision) I can write the files if I drop in a plain CD-R. I can author "video" discs using the supplied MySonic software with no problems to either standard dvd-r or -rw discs. The computer just locks up when I attempt to write data files to these discs. If I look at task manager, it gives me the standard (not responding) tag behing whichever software I am using to try and write the data files.I have about 2GB of data that I would like to keep on a rewriteable dvd instead of 4 cd-rw's. Any one got an idea what I am doing wrong?

Thanks for any advice in advance.

[MOVIEGEEK]

You can't write a multi-session DVD with WinMe,you must burn TAO(closed) and select new volume or no multi-session.

[Michelle]

Which setting in Nero are you using for writing data? I have this drive but I haven't tried writing data to it yet.

[Michelle]

I just tried burning some MP3s to a DVD+RW and it worked fine. I used DVD-ISO mode in Nero.

[Mikeman2345]

Ok all, I have figured it out now. Thanks for jogging my memory there moviegeek. After reading his response, the "mode" reminded me that there were hardware issues with VIA drivers and certain hardware. The ASUS motherboard is using a VIA chipset and drivers. After rembering this tidbit of information from the old days, I forced the BIOS and the drivers to plain old PIO mode 4. No UDMA. Everything works fine after that with either NERO or the B's Gold 5 software. I have spent some time playing with the settings today, and PIO 4 is the only setting that is stable.

Thanks to all for the responses, and if you hear of anyone else having a similar problem, keep in mind that it could be a hardware/driver problem even though it really looked like software.