Dominator 7 in 1 Dual 8X External Won't Burn DVDs

[Bastet]

Just got my Mad Dog Dominator 7 in 1 Dual 8X External today (replacement for my Sony DRU500 which will now only burn in 1x). Set it up per instructions, everything seemed to install correctly (directions were: plug up hardware. Plug in USB 2.0. It should work - and it did insofar as powering up and playing CDs and DVDs).

It will play CDs and DVDs and will burn CDs but not DVDs. I tried with Memorex DVD-R and Ritek DVD-R medias (both 4x). Burned the CD to generic CD media.

The very first time I tried to burn a DVD, it burned the leading edge of the blank making it into a coaster, but after that it's done nothing - it doesn't even make them into coasters.

I've tried Nero, DVDXCopy and DVD Shrink to make the DVDs and get no where. It just says 'error burning' or in the case of Nero, 'Recorder State: Failed'.

Is this a paperweight in regards to burning DVDs?

Thanks in advance.

[budz]

I'd suggest you uninstall DVDXCOPY because it's not the greatest software to use. What version of DVD SHRINK and NERO are you using? The latest version of DVD SHRINK some people have problems with it. Try using version 3.0 Beta5, here's the download for it:
http://mrbass.org/dvdshrink/dvdshrinkold/

You may want to try using DVD DECRYPTER, rip in FILE MODE to your hard drive then use DVD SHRINK to shrink it. Or you could use DVD2ONE to shrink after ripping to your hard drive. Check the DVD WRITER guide to your left. It says the drive you have is a NEC 2500A. You may want to check out the NEC FORUM for information on your drive. http://club.cdfreaks.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=30&f=86

Also check this site: http://forum.rpc1.org/viewforum.php?f=2

[redwudz]

Was your other burner an external USB2.0? Some people have problems with USB2.0 and external burners. I don't know if it's the interface or the motherboard. I would go to their website and see if they have any tips. Last time I used USB2.0 with an external burner, same problems. CD play and burn OK, but DVD, just errors. I use Firewire now.

[Bastet]

Was your other burner an external USB2.0? Some people have problems with USB2.0 and external burners. I don't know if it's the interface or the motherboard. I would go to their website and see if they have any tips. Last time I used USB2.0 with an external burner, same problems. CD play and burn OK, but DVD, just errors. I use Firewire now.

No, my other burner was an internal.

Thanks for the tip.

[Bastet]

I'd suggest you uninstall DVDXCOPY because it's not the greatest software to use. What version of DVD SHRINK and NERO are you using?

Many thanks for the tips and ideas.

I'm using DVD Shrink 3.1.7.6 and Nero 6.3.