LG DVD burner problems

[melmoth]

Hi,
I have just bought an LG DVD multi burner (ext) from Datakits UK - I run WinXP. The burner keeps telling me to put in a disc whether there's one in or not - I've tried uninstalling and re-installing the driver but the problem remains. Datakits haven't responded to my repeated requests for help . In Device Manger I'm told the device is working and going through the Windows troubleshooting wizard hasn't improved matters- anyone got any suggestions?
Cheers
Melmoth
Also anyone know the best way to deal with a supplier who refuses to respond to ligitimate requests for help?

[redwudz]

There's no easy answer on the supplier problem. If you are calling them to complain, ask to talk to a supervisor. Try to be polite but firm. Ask for a refund if you think it justified. That generally gets their attention.

If you get nowhere, there is probably something akin to our 'Better Business Bureau' that you can lodge a complaint with. Some popular PC magazines will also help you, but it may take a long time. It depends on how 'irritated' you are and how much you want to pursue it.

I doubt it's a driver or a OS problem. First advice always is to try a different brand of media. That simple change solves a lot of problems. If there is no improvement there, you can try cleaning the laser lens. A firmware upgrade is not always the answer. Mostly they make it possible to burn with newer media. But it's easier to just try a different media. If you look to the left for 'DVD Writers', you should see some recommendations for media for your burner that others use.

There are a few other things that can cause this type of problem, but they are not as common. It could be your burning software. Or even problems with the USB bus. Or the chipset in your computer for USB and the one in your external case. Try the easy solutions first. If all else fails, replace the burner. Your external case should be able to use a different brand/newer burner. Or try a different brand of case.

[bevills1]

Suggest running DVDInfoPro to determine if it's bad media. I've had this problem before for which DVDInfoPro showed blank media but only 0.03 GB free space indicating bad media. This ocurred on 8 of 100 Ritek G05 -R DVDs.

[Nilfennasion]

Redwudz has the right idea. Before you do anything, make certain it is the drive and not the media.

I do not know what LG are like in the UK, but every DVD burner I have ever had, and several of my players as a result, have been LG. This is because when I did experience problems with one burner (the laser that does the burns stopped working), they took a look at the drive, assessed that it was a serious mechanical failure, and replaced it with another. A newer one at that.

So if you cannot make headway with the supplier, try contacting LG directly. And if you do, make certain to inform LG of the problems you are having with the supplier, because no manufacturer likes to have its reputation compromised that way.

[melmoth]

Many thanks for all your help - I'll let you know what happens.
cheers
melmoth

[oldandinthe way]

There have been reports LG drives which have failed to operate in systems where the power is marginal. Since this is an external box the question arises does the box have adequate power.

[melmoth]

Well I tried DVDinfopro and it told me what clicking on the drive in WE told me - that there was no disc in the drive (I put all sorts of discs in, still doesn't register). Don't think it can be lack of power from the computer which is new and should easily handle an external burner. Don't think it can be the drivers because being XP I restored the computer back to original setting so it wasn't a corrupt driver.
Interesting thought. My old computer runs on Win 98 and for some reason the CD Rom drive stopped registering discs - I was told that it was probably a loose wire etc but I checked all that. After I did burn one DVD with the present burner on the XP computer I tried to connect it to the old box - no luck but perhaps something in the old box did something to the burner - is this possible?
Amstill pursueing the seller for a refund and will buy a new burner at the end of the month - ill affordable money down the drain. Still, thanks for all your interest
Melmoth

[oldandinthe way]

Concern is not lack of power from the computer, but lack of power in your external box. Unless of course your external box does not have a power supply (or more likely a transformer).