DVD writer doesn't work

[kamyogi]

HI,

My DVD reader/writer (+RW) doesn't work anymore. It used to work a few weeks ago. Now, I can't even read DVDs I burnt earlier nor burn any DVD. I can still read/write CDs though.

I heard that DVD writer manufacturers programme these hardwares to become obsolete after a certain number of re-installations of Windows. It probably is my case since it stopped all the sudden after a fresh installation of Windows without any prior sign of disfunctionning.

If it is true, is there any way to make my DVD writer work again? If yes, how?

Can anyone suggest a good site for downloading NEC ND-1000A driver? (NEC official site doesn't provide anymore )

Thanks for your reply.

Kamyogi

My OS: Windows XP Family
DVD Writer: NEC ND-1000A

[zoobie]

That thing must be ancient since I don't think they even come with drivers anymore.
Try:
1) Going into BIOS and making sure everything is enabled pertaining to the drive
2) Google NEC ND-1000A driver
3) Consider buying a new modern burner for a whopping $20

[hech54]

I heard that DVD writer manufacturers programme these hardwares to become obsolete after a certain number of re-installations of Windows.

You need to stop listening to crazy people.

[fritzi93]

I presume you checked your cable connections, i.e. disconnect/reconnect data and power cables with the computer off.

If the drive has disappeared due to the installation of conflicting burning software, delete the pertinent upper and lower filters from the registry. (Google "upper+lower filters" if this applies to you).

New DVD burners are really cheap you know. I could get, oh, at least 8 of 'em for what my first one cost me.

[Moontrash]

you can get a new one for $18 online..shipped...just get another one

[rcubed]

HI,

My DVD reader/writer (+RW) doesn't work anymore. It used to work a few weeks ago. Now, I can't even read DVDs I burnt earlier nor burn any DVD. I can still read/write CDs though.

Kamyogi,
If I remember correctly the laser used for CD R/W is different from the one used for DVD r/w. It is probably the DVD laser that has gone bad. As people have mentioned earlier if it isn't a driver or software conflict buy a new drive, they are cheap these days.

My personal preference would be for the drives be a little more expensive and offer a longer life and be more reliable. I have a Plextor CD reader that is over 10yrs old and still works just file. The drives I have purchased over the last few years seem to last only about 3 years. I use ImgBurn and look at the burn graphs and then I run programs to check the quality of the burns each time to determine if the writer is starting to fail. I also verify the data after each burn. Looking at the read error graphs can also show if a burn is questionable. The DVD may be readable, but have high error rates. Otherwise one might put a backup disk on the shelf and then find out later it was not a quality burn. Maybe I'm anal retentive, but I have very few failures with archived DVDs and CDs. A lot of them are 8-10 years old. The media used also makes a difference. Use Tayio Yuden or Verbatim Data Life (not the Value series).

rcubed

[kamyogi]

Thanks mates for sharing your views and ideas.