DVD Writer not reading/burning

[Rhysfire]

Hi,

For some reason my dvd writer stopped working... something along those lines. I have SONIC software installed that came with it and I downloaded Nero 6 demo as I usually do (when needed) to burn DVDs and such. But for some reason my burner won't burn. Nero rejects the discs or continues to eject the disc. I've tried a few different brands and none of them work. I'm guessing that it was definitely something I did. Does this sound familiar to any one? Any experience soemthing like this? The writer doesn't recognize discs in general. It's worked perfectly before, up until recently. I just can't figure what I may have done exactly to change every thing. Not sure what specifics to share, DVD+Rs and what I'm burning is basically what I've made with my Philips standalone recorder- I used dvddecrypter to rip to my pc and I add chapters and burn with Nero. Those are the basic programs. Again worked perfectly before. OH I usually use dvdderypter with my CD/DVD Rom drive and then of course burn with my second DVD drive both internal..... Kind of upsetting, any response (email or otherwise) is welcome.

Thanks,
Mary (smeagollum@sbcglobal.net)

[Sifaga]

Hey Mary,

What model DVD Writer do you have

[johns0]

Best to try the burner in another computer and if it still has problems then the burner wernt belly up,if it works ok in another system then something in the o/s got corrupted such as the imapi.

[Richard_G]

I had Nero installed on my pc when I bought my DVDRW drive. I fitted the DVDRW drive in place of the CDRW that I had been using and everything worked perfectly. I then decided to try the Sonic MyDVD software that had come with the DVDRW. After installing that, I found that it didn't work and neither did Nero anymore. Uninstalling either and everything worked again. Sounds like you have a similar problem which probably depends on the exact configuration of your pc. I simply didn't bother with the Sonic software anymore as it also screwed up my Ulead Mediastudio Pro installation.

[Rhysfire]

Hey folks,

I tried everything ya'll suggested- accept for a clean RE/install. I was hoping that I didn't have to. Here's the thing, I removed Sonic Software and Nero Software and just installed the Nero Software but the burner still isn't working. It's sort of like stuck because it dies after it spins for a couple seconds.

OKAY so ... I have around 3 GBs of info, I want to save somewhere, and of course I would have made a backup if I had known that my burner was just going to stop, anyone have any tips on how to save "my stuff" before doing a full format? Suckage... wonder what I did.

Thank you very much for the suggestions btw.

Thanks,
Mare

[Rhysfire]

Ok I saved my stuff and managed to do a format of the OS reset to factory settings etc... and installed chipset as instructed for my 4100 dell. (win98) Still hv eth esame problem. I have a PCI device driver missing. Anyone know what driver is apprapo for this? Also... anyone know what's the matter? (aside from the drive being dead) I really hope not. I want to exhuast all the possibilities before accepting that conclusion please. Anyway... all possible suggestions accepted and most welcome.

DVD/RW is Lite-on LSW 401S
CD/RW-DVD+rom is GCC-5120B
Win98se

Not sure what more info to add. Just ask.
Thanks!

- Mary
smeagollum@sbcglobal.net

[Capmaster]

Have you tried using a CD laser lens cleaner on it?

[Rhysfire]

Capmaster,

No, should I? I have one.

Thanks,
Mary

[edit] I mean one of those disc cleaners with the mini brush on it right? Not a liquid solution or anything.

[Rhysfire]

FAAAA-REAKKKYYY

I used the Lens Cleaner and I just burned a perfectly "healthy" DVD+R

I was doing everything but think that I should clean it. My room must be dirty. ;p

THANK YOU So MUCH CAPMASTER

As with every one who suggested and helped.

Damn this probably meant that I didn't need to do a format of the OS. Hahah oh well.

Sincerely,
Mary

[Capmaster]

FAAAA-REAKKKYYY

I used the Lens Cleaner and I just burned a perfectly "healthy" DVD+R

I was doing everything but think that I should clean it. My room must be dirty. ;p

THANK YOU So MUCH CAPMASTER

As with every one who suggested and helped.

Damn this probably meant that I didn't need to do a format of the OS. Hahah oh well.

Sincerely,
Mary

NP Glad it's working. Remember ...always try the easy/simple/free solutions first. Then start turning over rocks With the volume of DVDs I burn (20 - 30/week) I have to clean mine about once every 2 weeks. Being dusty here makes it worse. I know it's time to clean when Nero fails the power calibration it does just as it's starting the burn. I use one of those Scotch cleaning discs with the little brushes like you mentioned.

Look on the bright side - reformatting and reinstalling the OS makes it screaming fast again ...until the registry and fonts folder fill up again, that is