problem with reading DVD-Rs

[hengolobin]

My drive can no longer read DVD-Rs. IT can still read the normal dvds which you buy from the shop. The DVD-Rs used to work but now it doesn't. Tested it on other comps and it still works fine. Anyone got any idea how i can solve this problem? Only got the computer i'm using for a little over a year.

[ROF]

Dumb Question: Did you clean the laser head?

[hengolobin]

Dumb Question: Did you clean the laser head?

i'm very new to this kind of things.. sorry but how do you clean the laser head?

[ROF]

Easiest method: Buy one of these. http://www.sjgreatdeals.com/sakdvd511.html

[CrayonEater]

Do these things actually work? From what I've seen, there is no way to get to the laser apart from disassembling the drive as it sits below tray-level.

[ROF]

Yes. There are little brushes on the disc which wipe the laser. While not my preferred method of cleaning it is easier than cracking open the device case.

[hengolobin]

i tried using the cleaning disc.... but it didn't work. still can't read DVD-Rs. HOw ?

[bevills1]

Is the drive not reading -R a burner or just a player? Whcih burner if a burner, and has firmware been upgraded? Specifically which -R media doesn't read? My NEC 3520A would burn or read Ritek G05 -R meida with 3.05 firmware but won't after upgrade to 3.07 firmware, but it still reads and burns Verbatim -R and TDK -R media. First thing I'd try is different media.

[hengolobin]

Is the drive not reading -R a burner or just a player? Whcih burner if a burner, and has firmware been upgraded? Specifically which -R media doesn't read? My NEC 3520A would burn or read Ritek G05 -R meida with 3.05 firmware but won't after upgrade to 3.07 firmware, but it still reads and burns Verbatim -R and TDK -R media. First thing I'd try is different media.

It wouldn't read DVD-Rs. nope the firmware hasn't been upgraded but i upgraded it after it wouldn't work but to no avail. It doesnn't read all forms of DVD-Rs of different brands even TDK. i'm using Lite-On DVDRW SOHW-1633S.

[bevills1]

Will it read DVD +R disks? Cleaning is likely not the issue if it reads +R but not -R because it'd likely have problems reading all media if cleaning were the issue. However, cleaning may well be the issue if +R media isn't read either. Perhaps check the LiteOn forum at http://club.cdfreaks.com/forumdisplay.php?f=44 where another user posts same problem, and the site has firmware links, FAQs and other useful info.

[hengolobin]

Will it read DVD +R disks? Cleaning is likely not the issue if it reads +R but not -R because it'd likely have problems reading all media if cleaning were the issue. However, cleaning may well be the issue if +R media isn't read either. Perhaps check the LiteOn forum at http://club.cdfreaks.com/forumdisplay.php?f=44 where another user posts same problem, and the site has firmware links, FAQs and other useful info.

it can't read either DVD-R or DVD+R. i checked the forum but the person only seem to have problems reading DVD-Rs. How ? i tried cleaning but doesn't work. WHen i put in DVD-R or +Rs, there will be this whirlling/clicking sound. But it reads normal DVD just fine.

[bevills1]

Maybe time to replace the dirve if cleaning doesn't work since it doesn't read either media. NewEgg has very good drives under $40 shipping included, but I recommend avoiding NEC drives since they are rated below average for reading in review of NEC 3540A as well as other users have similar problems with NEC especially for -R media. After reading CDFreaks reviews, my first choice would be the Pioneer 111D and probably LG second due to its above average reading rating in reviews with Benq a close third.