*slaps own forehead*

right... i missed that part - i mean it was only in the title! :smileysad: 

have you tried using different software? other discs? i'm trying to rule out the possibility of a bad drive... 

Yes, Every other software package I have recognises the DVD burner. Normally I would say to heck with it and use the other software; however, when I use Windows Photo Gallery and i utilise its facility to make a movie it directs me to Windows DVD Maker, and after spending much time creating the movie when I go to burn it to a DVD it tells me there is no burner attached to my PC.

I have installed the latest firmware as recomended by DELL, but to no avail.

can you list the specs of your computer (and i guess your daughter's as well)? 

that may help in finding a solution. 

If you have the Packet Writing program enabled (e.g. Roxio Drag to Disc or Sonic DLA) sometimes they will interfere with CD/DVD burning.  Disable any Packet Writing program and see if that fixes the problem.

It is an Dell Inspiron 530 with a Intel Core Duo E4600 2.4Ghz CPU. 32 bit.

I am not sure of what my daughters is. Hers is a Laptop with the same processor, but different brand name.

I saw Windows DVD Maker operating properly this morning on a HP Laptop with the same processor, so there is hope. It is not a fault in the software as I suspected.

if it makes you feel any better, i have since read that many people are experiencing the same problem you are.  however, i have not been able to track down a reliable solution - most of the fixes i've seen have been with people who could not burn media at all.  since you can using other software, these solutions do not really fit.  

may i ask what brand of CD/DVD you are using? sometimes, but not always, this can affect things.  seems odd since it obviously works in other burning software, but you never know.