I drastically require assistance

[impossible]

I am so frustrated; I don't understand what the problem is. I'll explain it to you guys.

I am new to this stuff, and I am having trouble WRITING the DVD files onto my blank DVD.

I have converted my downloaded DVD files using DIVXtoDVD. They are in a file called VIDEO_TS. VIDEO_TS contains:

VIDEO_TS.IFO
VTS_01_0.IFO
VTS_01_1.VOB
VIDEO_TS.BUP
VTS_01_0_BUP

When I use CopyToDVD to write to my DVD, I select the VIDEO_TS file to be the source file the program uses to get the data from. I insert a blank Maxtell DVD-R 8x into my DVD/RW drive. I click 'Write', and I am prompted to 'Please insert a writeable media'. I click 'Continue', and get the same message. Like I said, I have DVD-R recordable discs, and I have a DVDROM that plays DVDs and says DVD+RW on it. I don't understand what the problem is.

Is there something wrong with the discs I bought? Is my drive really DVD+RW, or does DVD+RW mean something else than 'THIS DRIVE ALLOWS YOU TO MAKE COPIES OF DVDS"? Do I have to burn an .ISO image before I can write to a blank DVD? What is an .ISO image, and what is its significance? Are the files in my VIDEO_TS folder MPEGS? I read one has to convert the files from .AVI to MPEG, then they can burn to a writable DVD. Is there some step I'm missing? God, please help me!

You are in breach of the forum rules and are being issued with a formal warning. PLEASE use a subject that describes your topic. Please reread our rules about it.
/ Moderator Baldrick

[Cole]

Maybe the drive only allows you to use DVD+R media and not DVD-R. Do a search on the DVD writers' list (link on the left) and see what is compatible with your DVD burner.

[jimmalenko]

If it says DVD+RW then I reckon you got yourself a "+ only" dvd burner there. No DVD-R media will burn in that thing, ever. Try buying some DVD+Rs and using them.

[impossible]

Oh my God, thanks so much you guys! I'll go buy some DVD+R DVDs. I can't believe a - and a + could cause so much confusion...or make such a difference =\.

[Ward River]

I can't believe a - and a + could cause so much confusion...or make such a difference =\.

You should have seen the flame wars over the years. You have no idea. None at all.

[rkr1958]

One other thing you need to consider about + versus - is playback compatibility with your standalone (settop) DVD player. Some will only play one and not the other and some will play both. To see what's compatible with yours check out the DVD players list to the left.

Also, not only is the topic of what's best + or - a hot one here but the topic on how to pronounce the "-" is a biggy. The most correct and accepted pronunciation is dash (NOT minus) ... but some still hold on to the minus pronunciation. These two topics have caused some bitter flamewars and are hot-buttons for some here.