can't read 16x disc

[jonij]

I have a hp 740b dvd writer and it won't recognize 16x discs and it should. I've tried uninstalling the driver and also updating the driver with no luck. I'm desperate and any help would be greatly appreciated. The highest I can read is 8X on DVDs. It reads CDs just fine. I even tried a different dvd drive so I don't what else to do

[guns1inger]

You may have to update the firmware, assuming HP have a newer firmware to recognise newer discs.

[jonij]

did that also. didn't work. and the drive used to recognize these very discs that it won't now

[bendixG15]

Might it be dying ???

[budz]

laser is probably dead....buy a new dvd burner.

[jonij]

I thought that it might be going bad but I put my son's drive in my computer and it's doing the same thing. It's got me downright agitated. I've got all these packs of DVDs that no longer work in my recorder

[Bjs]

Media brand used ?
Speed of burns used initially ?

Access another system to test ... Lg dvd burners are less picky ... if failure ... media is considered obsolete and files are gone.

On hardware side, try replacing the data cable connected to burner with a known good cable ... some develop problematic communication issues.

[lordsmurf]

LG DVD burners are more picky, if anything. A number of them have problems with good media, such as Verbatim. That's unacceptable. The OEM versions are the real culprits, too.

The laser indeed sounds dead. Replace it.

Get a Sony, Samsung or Pioneer drive. Buy online for $20-40.