DVD-R Media problems? Maybe?

[Slamtastic]

I'm new to the backup process and all went well, except when I was ready to write the disc using Imgburn it wouldn't recognize that the DVD was in the writer. I've got Maxell DVD-R 16x discs, and it doesn't even look like my computer is even reading them at all.

My computer is also two days out of the box, so I'm not sure if I need to set something up or if it's the discs I've got.

Thanks in advance for the help!

[Krispy Kritter]

Have you got any other burning software installed? If you do, you could try using the software to see if it can recognize the disc. That would aid in ruling out Imgburn as the issue.

[Slamtastic]

I haven't used any other burning software, but I'll give it a shot. Also, I don't know if this would help or not, but the DVD writer will read regular DVDs with no problem, so I know it's working (or at least I sorta do).

And I can't get the computer to recognize the blank DVD-Rs in either the DVD reader or writer when I'm not in Imgburn.

[GKar]

What dvd writer do you have? Maybe you need some updated firmware. Try using DVD Identifier and see if it sees the dvd's.

[VegasBud]

Slamtastic,

The drive is what recognizes media or not, and then the drive communicates with the software. For some reason the drive is having a problem with the disks. Open ImgBurn, and click "Tools" - "Drive" - "Capabilities". On the window that pops up, the top line is the details of the drive (the make, model, firmware, etc.). If you'll post that line, we'll know what kind of drive it is. That's a good start for troubleshooting.

Not all media works with a given drive. You might want to get some different media to try. With a new burner/computer they're not likely to go to waste (if it's good media). This page should help you choose wisely. It might be a good idea to try something rated at less than 16x. They'll be cheaper, and 8x burn not all that much slower than the 16x.

Welcome to VideoHelp.

[Slamtastic]

You guys are awesome! I'm at work right now, but when I get home I'll post the info you're looking for.

[Slamtastic]

Alright, I'm back home now, and I've picked up some Sony DVD-Rs and the same thing happens.

But here is the drive I've got:

[2:0:0] SONY CDRWDVD CRX310S VDK2 (E (ATA)

After looking at the CDRWDVD part, I'm afraid it's not a DVD writer and just a cd writer. Please tell me I'm wrong.

Thanks again.

[CrayonEater]

According to the Dell website, your drive is not a DVD burner. It's a "combo" drive meaning it just burns CDs and reads DVDs. See the "specifications" section.

I recommend buying a NEC ND-3550a or Pioneer 111D. If you bought this computer and were supposed to get a burner, I'd return it or have them install one.

P.S., the rule for media buying is to look at the label each time and see if it says Made in Japan. Verbatim is the sole exception - it is also good media. Sony is usually good (sleazy, scummy company though) but you have to check. With Verbs, you know you're always getting good stuff.

[Slamtastic]

My disappointment knows no bounds. Thank you again for your help.

And honestly, I'm not sure what was ordered, my girlfriend got the PC and I trusted her judgement.

[CrayonEater]

FWIW, a burner is not much. That NEC is $20 at Tigerdirect.com after rebate, last time I checked. Lots of places have them for around $35 at normal prices, possibly with shipping. It isn't all that hard to put a burner in yourself, and the original "combo" drive can serve as a reader so you can do copies without changing discs. Even an external isn't too bad: Compared to the cost of the computer the drive isn't much, so don't be too disappointed. Just some food for thought.

[FulciLives]

According to the Dell website, your drive is not a DVD burner. It's a "combo" drive meaning it just burns CDs and reads DVDs.

LOL
I'm dying here from laughter

Oh god ... that's too funny ... he put a DVD-R in a DVD reader. bahahahaha *cough*

I mean ... damn ... I feel like I should be paying someone for how good this made me laugh.

Precious ... just absolutely precious.

Thank you for the good chuckle!

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

P.S.
In an effert to be somehat helpfull I will mention that you should be able to find the Pioneer DVD burner mentioned at a BEST BUY and for a small fee they will even install it for you but of course you do have to pay extra for that and bring the computer in but it is a good alternative if you aren't up to it yourself.

[VegasBud]

Until I googled "CRX310S" and got the same hit as CrayonEater, I didn't know if the drive could burn dvds either..and neither did anyone else.

I like Slamtastic. He had a question, he came here for help, several people assisted him in finding an answer, and at the end he said "Thank you". It's the process that keeps people coming back to this site...to learn more and more, until they, too, start answering questions for others. It's a loss to this site, and all of us, if he doesn't come back to continue learning because he was ridiculed for asking a question. It's a further loss for every other person who doesn't ask their question because they see this and don't want to risk being ridiculed themself.

[FulciLives]

Until I googled "CRX310S" and got the same hit as CrayonEater, I didn't know if the drive could burn dvds either..and neither did anyone else.

I like Slamtastic. He had a question, he came here for help, several people assisted him in finding an answer, and at the end he said "Thank you". It's the process that keeps people coming back to this site...to learn more and more, until they, too, start answering questions for others. It's a loss to this site, and all of us, if he doesn't come back to continue learning because he was ridiculed for asking a question. It's a further loss for every other person who doesn't ask their question because they see this and don't want to risk being ridiculed themself.

Blah blah blah

That's what I think of that.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[Slamtastic]

Well, I ended up going out to Best Buy and picked up the external Pioneer model you guys recommended and everything is working spectacularly.

Thanks again for everyone's help and making me feel welcome. I really do appreciate that.