NEC-1100A Firmware Issues

[DoctorStopMo]

I recently purchased a set of 16X DVD-Rs at Target without realizing that they weren't compatible with my drive. I was told that I needed to download a firmware upgrade for my drive in order for my drive to be able to recognize and burn 16X DVDs. I tried downloading the software (http://support.necam.com/Optical/downloads/FlashFirmware/readme.asp?ID=1), but get stuck on Step 9 when the program cannot find the target drive:

"If no drives are detected, click the cancel button. This error can occur if the firmware does not meet the update requirements."

What am I doing wrong? How can I get about doing this? Any help would be vastly appreciated. I think you in advance. Have a nice day.

[mats.hogberg]

Wrong firmware?
OTOH, the reason I ditched my trusted ND1300A, was because it too didn't write to some newer disks I've bought. Latest F/W and all. Not much else to do, than get a new drive - They cost close to nothing these days.

/Mats

[DoctorStopMo]

Well I think it is the right Firmware because I double checked and made sure it was for the NEC 1100A DVD/CDRW. I would rather avoid getting a new drive as I am a student and deeply in debt. I think I might just try and find old media, and maybe sell the 16X's on eBay or something if no one else has advice to offer...

Thanks for the reply, though.

[CrayonEater]

The ND-1100 doesn't support the -R format at all. There are some hacked firmwares available to convert an ND-1100 to a ND-1300, but they may screw up your drive - they did in my case, and I tried several. Plus, I don't think those new firmwares support any of the newest discs, so your 1100 may be best relegated to use as a DVD-ROM reader, unless you can find quality 4x or 8x media.

Also, you didn't specify what media you were using, but be aware that using low-quality media is the cause of most burning-related problems. Stick with Taiyo-Yuden or Verbatim, avoid all other "brands".

[DoctorStopMo]

Thanks a lot. I decided to sell the 16x -R's to a friend of mine anyway. I haven't had any problems with writing to other media in the past. I think I am going to just invest in 250 8x DVD+Rs and that should last me until I upgrade my computer/drive in a couple of years.

Thanks again for the input.