DVD drives read but don't write. Help please

Hi, Kirsten:

Only your NEC drive can write to DVDs and CDs. This problem could be a hardware problem with the drive, a software problem with Sonic or a software problem with something else.

Let's tackle the hardware issue first. Go to the link below and download and install DVD Identifier. With a blank DVD (not CD) in the drive, run DVD Identifier and see if that program is able to see the blank disc.

Please post back and let me know what happened.

I uninstalled Sonic and had a copy of Roxio that I installed instead.  It says no drive detected also.  What now?  Thanks again.

Sorry, me again. I just opened Sonic Record Now and noticed that at the top it says No Recorder.  When I click the arrow to check for drives it doesn't find any.

Thanks.  This is what it found.

[08:00:17] DVD Identifier V5.2.0
[08:00:17] Initializing Drive Interface [Auto-Select ASPI/SPTI]
[08:00:17] SPTI Drive Interface Successfully Initialized
[08:00:18] 1 Supported Drive Found (Out Of 2 Available Drives)
[08:00:18] Manufacturer Database [10-JAN-09@906$99] Loaded From File : (@906$99) Entries Found
[08:00:27] This Version Of 'DVD Identifier' Is Up-To-Date
[08:00:27] A New Manufacturer Database Is Available : [25-JAN-09@911$100]
[08:00:28] DVD-R/-RW Medium Detected. Starting Identification...
[08:00:28] ** Initiating LPP Retrieval
[08:00:28] LPP Read Completed Without Errors
[08:00:28] Disc Identification Completed Successfully
[08:00:29] New Manufacturer Database [25-JAN-09@911$100] Downloaded : (@911$100) Entries Found

As I mentioned before it will read CD's and DVD's but it won't burn them anymore.  Thanks again, Kirsten

Kristen:

Ok, that's progress. Obviously, your drive is fine, so the problem is the inability of Roxio to recognize the drive. The next step I would suggest is uninstalling Roxio, and deleting the upper and lower filters. The procedure is described in the CD/DVD FAQ under "code 39 error". Then reinstall the program.

I thought we might have had it but no such luck.  There was no upper filter to delete.  I deleted the lower filter and rebooted and then reinstalled Sonic Record Now and rebooted again.  After that when I opened Sonic it showed the drive.  I was so hopefull but when I went to burn a disc I got the same message that said I must first insert a blank or rewritable CD/DVD.  I'm ready to throw the whole thing out the window.  I have a few days left on my Dell warranty.  Do you think I should call to see if they will send me a replacement?  What next?  Thanks again, Kirsten

Kirsten:

Let's try this. Open My Computer and right click your DVD burner (make sure it's the burner, NOT your DVD-ROM drive), and select Properties. Select the Recording tab. If you don't see a recording tab, go to this article for instructions. If there is a recording tab, make sure CD recording is enabled for your drive. Then try burning some files onto a blank CD-R. This will not work for blank DVDs. I just want to see if the drive is recognized as a recording device by Windows.

Nope.  I did as you said and went to the recording tab and enabled CD recording.  Then I opened Sonic and tried to burn some files to CD.  I get the same message to insert a disc and the tray ejects.  I'm so frustrated and I really appreciate your help.  Any other ideas?  Thanks again, Kirsten

Kirsten:

Seems like a good time to call Dell. They should replace this drive without too much fuss.

Good luck!

That's what I was getting ready to do when I got your email.  I am on the phone with them now and they are going to send me a replacement drive.  It was great that I could tell them everything I had done already which was exactly what they would have had me done of course.  Thank you so much for all of your help.  You were wonderful.

Kirsten

Hi

I have a "tsst corp cdrwdvd ts-h493b ata" which plays dvds but won't read blank ones (I have tried Philips DVD+RW and SONY DVD+R discs).  After looking at the manual I discovered that under supported functions all rewritable DVDs are listed as n/a for write.  Does this mean that I cannot write to DVDs at all?  Would it be possible to use some kind of software to enable writing to DVD?  The PC is a Vostro 200.

Look forward to a positive reply!

DP108

Hi, DP108:

Sorry, but your drive can read and write CDs but can only read DVD discs. If your system can accommodate a second drive, you could add a DVD burner for only about $25 or so. If you want to post the model of your Dell, I can recommend something.

Hi Osprey

Thanks for the swift reply!  Just as I feared - I was so used to having a DVD burner with my previous PC I didn't realise this one wouldn't have it.  The model is a DELL Vostro 200 from around late 2007 with a Intel 1.60 GHz processor and 1GB RAM.  It uses Vista on 32-bit.  There does appear to be a free slot for another drive in between the CD and USB ports.  Let me know if you need any further info.

Yes, your Vostro 200 should be able to accommodate a second drive. See this list of SATA DVD burners from Newegg. Lots of good brands. You can peruse the user ratings to get an idea which ones are popular. If you need software to write to DVDs, look for a "retail" as opposed to "OEM" package. The retail boxes include software, usually something like Nero Essentials.