Please help- new Pioneer DVR-107D not working

[dvd-dude]

I just purchased a Pioneer DVR-107D DVD +/- R/W burner from newegg.com and I've installed it without a problem - just hook it up and it's recognized automatically. Here's my issue:

I'm using Nero 6 and each time I try to burn (different discs, different speeds, after restart, etc.) it quits right off (or after initial caching if set to do so) due to a "Power Calibration Error."

I've posted this question here because it sounds like a hardware issue and not a software issue. I'm so bummed out - I hope someone here will know how to fix this problem. I've burned hundreds of CDs with my Sony burner and Nero without any problems. In case you need to know, here are the details:

My cpu: HP Pavilion with 900mhz Intel Celeron, 256MB Ram, 30GB HD
DVD Burner: Pioneer DVR-107D, firmware 1.09, jumper on CS (same as the drive it replaced in the tower).

(I know my cpu isn't much to shake a stick at, but it should have no trouble with this task. I'm actually backing up files because my new machine is coming early next week - an AMD Athalon 2800+... I can't wait). Thanks for your help everyone!

-DVD-Dude

[dvd-dude]

Okay... just a little update. I'm not a big computer guy but I tried some basic troubleshooting. I tried updating the firmware (was 1.09 and I installed 1.13). I also opened the computer back up and switched the jumper to Master instead of CS, and changed the other drive that was Master to Slave. Unfortunately none of this helped. Once again all I get is the "power calibration error" message. I've tried it in Easy CD Creator 5 as well and while I don't get the error message, it just idols when it's at the starting phase and the light doesn't come on - so I assume it's the same problem. I've noticed to that even though I installed the new firmware the properties still show it as being 1.09... I find that strange. I should also mention that the drive works fine when reading already burned DVDs - so if there's a problem with the laser it's just the burning function. Well, I have nothing else I can think to try... I'm pretty depressed about this drive. I'm hoping someone here can save the day. Thanks again!

-DVD-Dude

[redwudz]

You don't mention the media you are using. Power calibration error is usually caused by incompatible media. Try some different brands, if that still doesn't work, try different burning programs, if still no go, the only thing that seems to be left is a problem with the burner itself.

[dvd-dude]

Okay...

Stupid on my part not to try this first, but I spent some time digging up an unused older DVD-R and now it's working. The 4X DVD-PRO discs didn't work (even when attempted at 1X), but the old 1X DVD-PRO disc did. I'm pretty annoyed since I just bought a bunch of them, but they work with my Panasonic DVD Recorder so not all is lost. I guess I'll have to buy some Ritek ones - or is there another brand under $1.00 each that's decent?

I'm pretty relieved that it appears my drive isn't screwed up - but I have to admit I'm a little weary now. Am I just being paranoid? Does this error happen all the time with media that isn't compatible? I just don't want a drive whose laser will fiz out on me in four months. Then again, if it works (like it just did) it's not like I can send it back.

-DVD-Dude

[chas0039]

It is curious about your firmware showing up as old. I would try the update again. My 107 shows the new firmware in any program I use to check it. FYI, I have tried Princo and TY and Ritek G04s with no problems at all. The link below is Pioneer's summary of media.

http://www.pioneer-eur.com/eur/products.jsp?category=products/DVDwriter/2X_Rec&categor...onomy_id=43-92

ADDED: http://store.yahoo.com/supermediastore/dvdmedia.html

These guys seem to love Prodisc and have massive endorsements from Pioneer. I haven't tried them yet but they are cheap at about 70 cents or less.