Please help: DVD writer does not even play DVDs on my PC

[chateaudegeau]

I have a brand new PC I put together myself, which looks something like:

Windows XP Professional
P4 2.6GHz
512MB DDR400
Pioneer DVR-106BK DVD+/-RW
Lite-On 16x DVD-ROM


I can use CDs and DVDs on my DVD-ROM drive. I can use CDs on my DVD writer (install games, listen to CDs, etc.). When I put any store bought DVD into the DVD writer, it is not recognized. It looks like the DVD writer is trying to read the DVD--I hear a noise from the drive and see the mouse pointer change, but eventually it stops. Also, when I put any blank media into the DVD writer, it is not recognized. The same blank media is recognized on other DVD writers I have access to.

Both drives have the same driver loaded in the Windows XP device manager properties. All jumpers and IDE cables are set up right. The firmware of the Pioneer DVR-106 is 1.07, which is what it came with and is the latest I could find. I have many different DVD writing and viewing applications installed.


Has anybody had similar problems with their DVD writer, or know what I could do to fix the issue?


Thank you.

[wulf109]

Sounds like your Pioneer writer is defective. The only reason it would not read retail or blank DVD media is a defective laser. It's not that uncommon for the dual laser to go bad and read only CDR's. Return it for replacement if you can.

[chateaudegeau]

Thanks for the response; I have already begun the RMA process.