CD/DVD drives think they're -ROM and I can't burn CD or DVDs!

Hi, Curtda:

Back again, huh?

Take a look at this article for ideas on why XP does not recognize your drive as a recordable device.

Also, keep in mind that XP can only perform recording on one of your drives. Once you designate CD recording on one drive, the other will be unselected. However, your burning software can use both drives.

Hi Osprey4,

I am back again.  Thanks for your response!  I followed the regedit steps (changed the drives from 1 to 2.)  Now, I can burn CD-R!  However, I input a blank DVD-RW and I couldn't format the disc.  I looked up MS's suggestion and they said to make sure I had all the updates installed.  However, I had to un-install SP3 as both drives didn't have any -RW capabilities.  Should I reinstall SP3?  I don't want to make things worse than they already are!!

Curtda

How are you trying to format the DVD-RW disc?
Are you using third-party software (i.e. Sonic,
Roxio, Nero, etc.) or the are you using the Windows
built-in burning software?

Windows XP will not recognize a blank DVD disc, thus
it cannot write to it for format it.  Windows XP has
no DVD writing capabilities.

To use blank DVDs with Windows XP, third-party software
is required.

I was trying to format by using the right-click  drop down menu, but maybe you've explained why that doesn't work.  I back up Quicken with a DVD-RW and Quicken doesn't recognize the DVD when it's in the proper drive.  I thought the current DVD might be the problem, so tried a new blank DVD-RW and that is how I got to the format problem.  I'll try formating via Roxio.

Any other advice?

Thanks for your help!