dvr-104 firmware and writing issues

[Cardfan]

I recently lost my hard drive, since then re-installed win2000. My question is, does the firmware upgrade write to the dvd burner or is this a software patch? I forgot to reapply the upgrade and burned 4 or 5 4x memorex dvd-r's, all of which come up with a command sense error. I can burn files to a dvd but not movies (I think it is more labor intensive) I'm wondering if I burned up the laser slightly... if thats possible. I can read cds and dvds, I can burn to cdrs. I am using the same procedures as I did before the crash accept I forgot to apply the firmware upgrade. I have searched for clues on what excactly happens if the upgrade isn't applied and I'm getting mixed results. Some people can still read and write to cdrs but can't write dvds which is my case, except I can write files to a dvd. Others can't do anything, so it sounds as if you can really screw up the laser or kinda of screw up the laser. This is driving me crazy because I thought it was a dvd writer problem, now I'm not sure.

I have used both Nero 6 and recordnow 4.5 (same errors) I use dvd2one to cut the movie down, it has never given me any problems. I don't think it is the problem because when I simulate or test it is fine only when it gets ready to write does the error pop up. I've used 3 different batches of dvd-rs so I don't think it is the dvds.

thanks for any insight

[Cardfan]

I mis-stated when I said I could burn files, I have installed the drive in a different system and can burn both files and movies with some 1x rated dvds. Its only when I use the memorex 4x dvds that all this happens. I have previously burned over 50 dvds with the memorex and some out of the same spindle. I still think its my drive, but what would have happened to all of a sudden I can't burn 4x dvds, I run them at 1x always. Anybody have any ideas? ...anybody?