CD-RW/DVD ROM unit will not format a CD-R/RW

Question

I have a Dimension 8200 with a Samsung CDRW/DVD SM-308B. The unit can read CDs and can burn files on a CD that has been fomated. But now I can't format a new CD. When I place a CD-R or CD-RW in the tray it says that the cd is closed and has zero bites free. I've updated the DirectCD from Roxio and the firmware from Dell to see if this would help, but with no luck. Please help.   Thanks, Sergio

kirkd · Answer

You don't need to format the CDs or CD R/Ws. Just write to the blank (new) CD and it's done. Same for R/W. You need to erase R/Ws containing data if they have been finalized before you can write to them again. CDs and CD R/Ws can have files added after an initial copy session if they are initially written using a multisession protocol. CD R/Ws can also be used like floppys, writing and/or erasing files as needed if they are written as UDF multisession.

Dimension 9100
Windows XP SP2 Home
Intel 630 - 3.0 GHz P4/HT
2.0 GHz DDR 4300 RAM
Nvidia GeForce 6800 – O’Clocked to 425/825 MHz
160 GB Samsung SATA II HD
300 GB Seagate SATA II HD
250 GB SimpleTech External HD (WD Drive)
Sony DVD-ROM, Phillips DVD +/- RW
Dell 1901 FP Monitor

Predator · Answer

Hi Sergio,To add with Kirks and along those lines, click on the CD/RW link in my post and scroll to Section 100, article 27. This is Microsoft`s article on XP built-in buring program. If you can create a disc with this software, then the issue is not the drive.May I ask, you mentioned Roxio, Direct CD, what version do you have and do you have XP SP2 installed? SP2 sort of broke version 5.Merry Christmas ! CD/RW Link

sebu · Answer

Thanks for you response.... DirectCD is from Roxio version 5.1.2600.2180 This is what I found out so far: After the PC is started, when I insert a blank CD-RW, the unit shows as if nothing were in it (o bytes of free space). After removing this CD and a blank CD-R is inserted, same result. But, if after the PC is restarted, I insert first a blank CD-R, then it finds the CD and it shows the full blank free bytes available. Now after this CD is removed and a CD-RW is inserted, again it shows as if nothing is the unit. It seems like the problem is with the CD-RW. The unit will not read this type of CD. I am trying with Sony CD-RW  multi speed 1x 2x 4x which is the correct speed for this type of optical drive. Any suggestions?

Jim Hardin · Answer

It cannot be stressed enough that packet writers, like DirectCD are the least reliable form of burning ever devised!

In any case, you do not have the update you need as 5.3 was the last update issued… Make sure you get the right one as there is one for Basic and a different one for Platinum.

If DCD is running it will show in your Task Manager – Processes tab. (Ctrl-Alt-Delete).

But frankly you will be better served by removing DCD and using the built in XP Burning or an Authoring program like Classic.

sebu · Answer

Thanks to all....   I

sebu · Answer

Thanks to all.... I updated to version V5.3.5.10. In any case, I did remove the Roxio software. Now I can write to CD-Rs but not to CD-RWs. Sometimes the unit writes to CD-RW, but it will not read afterwards. For it to work like described, I need to manually start IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service in Administrative Tool/Service. Note that the StartupStyle is in Automatic. If I don't do this, it will not write to any type of CDs.   It appears as if DirectCD has not been removed completely. If I right click on a file and choose 'Send to', on the list I have 'Direct CD Drive (D)' and also 'DVD/CD-RW Drive (D) options.   Sergio Message Edited by sebu on 12-29-200608:28 PM

Storage, Drives & Media

CD-RW/DVD ROM unit will not format a CD-R/RW

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