What is this ring?

[AlecWest]

When I first bought my MagicSpin 8x DVD writer, it performed just fine. But, just a week ago, I experienced a "stuck disc" and had to use the paper-clip method to open up the drive door to extract it. But when I took out the disc, I noticed something near the back of the tray (kind of crumpled). So carefully, I grabbed hold of it and slowly removed it. This is what came out (JPG is about twice normal size):

Now ... since taking it out, my DVD writer still performs just fine. But, I'm wondering what that ring is. It's flexible and cushiony. I know that sometimes, electronic manufacturers include inner cushions to keep sensitive parts safe during transport ... usually removed by either a store upon arrival ... or by a consumer upon purchase. But, my owner's manual indicates nothing about packing cushions or rings.

Is that what this ring is? Or, does it look like something that should remain in the machine? All I know is that my writer is still writing well ... at least, so far.

[canadateck]

I have only seen those in spindles of DVD's.Sure it wasnt on the DVD when you put it in>?
I have one thats apart if no-one knows I'll take alook.

[AlecWest]

I have only seen those in spindles of DVD's.Sure it wasnt on the DVD when you put it in>?
I have one thats apart if no-one knows I'll take alook.

Hehehe, it's possible. Never thought about that. But, my stack of blanks wasn't new ... and, if memory serves, the ring was plastic. This one is spongy/rubbery. The DVDs were Sony. Of course, the ring could have been in there for a while.

[canadateck]

The only thing I could think of.

it may be there so when the DVD is locked into place to burn its there so the DVD/CD wont get damaged.

[AlecWest]

The only thing I could think of.

it may be there so when the DVD is locked into place to burn its there so the DVD/CD wont get damaged.

Hmm ... well, I'll hang onto it. If someone tells me it's a necessary part, I'll crack the box and try to find someplace to put it. Thanks.

[rkr1958]

I agree with canadateck, it looks to me like those protective rings that come with a spindle of DVDs.

I once pulled out a DVDR from the top of my spindle stack and stuck it in my writer with the protective plastic clear cover still on top. My writter didn't like it and I also had to use the paperclip method to get it out. My writer's still working fine.

[lenti_75]

if you're burner it's fine...that's all it matter
that is not a dvd part, it's a dvd ring.

[AlecWest]

Thanks everyone. It had me worried a bit. BTW, though I used the "paperclip method," I didn't really use a paperclip. I didn't have any at home so I went to Walgreen's. They didn't have any ... so I experimented with a bag of diaper pins (cheaper than clips).

[Tidy]

That is absolutely a stacking ring. No question in my mind. they put them in the spindles so that when you stack them it does not crush the spindle cover. I don't know if anyone has noticed but a stack of DVD's is not what I would refer to as lightweight.

[AlecWest]

That is absolutely a stacking ring. No question in my mind. they put them in the spindles so that when you stack them it does not crush the spindle cover. I don't know if anyone has noticed but a stack of DVD's is not what I would refer to as lightweight.

The stacking ring on my Sony DVDs was hard plastic. This one was soft and cushiony. But you're probably right anyway. I just wonder how long that stacking ring was in there, hehehe. I'll be very careful from here on out when I crack open a new stack ... and toss those puppies away first thing.

[Tidy]

That is absolutely a stacking ring. No question in my mind. they put them in the spindles so that when you stack them it does not crush the spindle cover. I don't know if anyone has noticed but a stack of DVD's is not what I would refer to as lightweight.

The stacking ring on my Sony DVDs was hard plastic. This one was soft and cushiony. But you're probably right anyway. I just wonder how long that stacking ring was in there, hehehe. I'll be very careful from here on out when I crack open a new stack ... and toss those puppies away first thing.

haha I have done things like that but I am POSITIVE that is a stacking ring. That is like a clone of a bag of stacking rings I have at my house. I get soft stacking rings in quite a few packs now. Just glad to calm your nerves