Recorder keeps saying no disk

[djohlson]

I have a Magnavox MRV640. Doing OK, until couple of weeks ago. Disks (all +RW and recorded on this Magnavox) came up "No Disc" when I tried to play them. I would wipe them off with a clean cloth and put the disk in again. Rarely did this make a difference. Once in awhile, after the wipe the disk could be read. Sometimes timed recordings would not be recorded. It does read commercial disks OK. This is the same problem I had before the Mag when I had a Philips. I called Magnavox. Sent me a CD to fix the problem (ala Philips). Nothing changed. I can play most of these disks on my Cyberhome player. But that's not so great--sometimes skips. I have tried other recorders--Sanyo, LiteOn, Cyberhome--and none were as good as Magnavox-Philips as far as layout, ease of recording, etc. I liked everything about the Mag-Phil except the trouble, which would happen about 18-20 months after my purchase.
Anything I can do to read these disks? Is there a more reliable recorder? I am on a budget. Like the info I've read on Panasonic ES15, but don't want to keep buying recorders that only perform well for a few months.
Thinking may be I should toss the DVD recorder and use only my Sony VCR. It's very reliable. Any suggestions?

[oldandinthe way]

Try cleaning the drive.


If that fails to remedy the problem, try changing the drive. With DVD-writers under $30 and recorders at $100 or more it is work considering.

See if the forums on www.cdfreaks.com have anyone else's experienes in changing the drive in your brand of recorder.

18-20 months is a pretty good life for a DVD-writer in heavy use without cleaning or adjustment,

[djohlson]

How do I clean or change the drive? I'm not hi-tech geek. Tho I'd like to be.

[piano632]

Buy a lens cleaning disc (available at most stores that sell CD/DVD accessories) and see if that helps.

[handyguy]

Get a wet cleaning disk, not a dry one.