Insert a writable disk?

Question

XPS Dimension 600.  DVD/CD-RW.  I can play CDs.  I can play DVDs.    I cannot copy data from my computer to a disk.  I've tried Staples brand, Maxel, Memorex.  The wizard says that there's no writable media in the drive.  All are CD-R.   I've been working on this on and off for about a month.    1.  I reinstalled Sonic from the Dell provided disk.  2.  I've downloaded a suggested download from Dell site for Sonic DLa. 3.  Checking the drive, properties says the drive is recordable (there's a recordable tab) and    recording is enabled when you go to that tab. 4.  Checked the registry values and changed the drive value to '2' for CD-RW. 5.  IMAPI CD-Burning in services.msc is set to 'automatic', though it's never started.  I've started it; the data still will not copy as the computer will not recognize any disk.   I do note that somewhere Microsoft has a hotfix that you must call and, possibly, pay for.  There's no link to it.  It seems that something in SP-2 made the writable drive not recognize that there's media in the drive.    Other than that the drive may be entirely bad, is there something I've missed trying?   Sorry if this is a repeat.  I looked at the other posts and found none like mine in that they had Sonic and were unable to burn a disk, but were still able to listen to CDs or watch movies.

Skybird · Answer

Look in the Device Manager.......... Start | Control Panel | System in classic view | Hardware tab | Device Manager Click on the (+) next to DVD/CD-ROM drives.  Post the brand and model of the drive.   Will it read data CDs or music CDs?  Have you run the Dell Diagnostics on the drive?  You will need a data disc in the drive to do so.                   Message Edited by Skybird on 06-22-2007 06:57 AM

Barbara · Answer

It says HL-DT-ST-DVD+-RW GWA4164B.  And Dell provided me with Sonic disks.    thanks,

Skybird · Answer

You might try to update to the latest Firmware here .............

http://support.us.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&releaseid=R130051&formatcnt=1&libid=0&fileid=173334

Will the drive write to DVD media?

Barbara · Answer

Yes.  Did do the firmware update.  Will try copying a DVD next.  I think the drive is bad and has to be replaced.  Or, I understand, that something in sp-2 did this and Microsoft has a hotfix but you can only call MS to get the hotfix, which then probably costs.   I've used Windows explorer, Sonic and Nero.  Nothing recognizes a disk in the drive, but will try copying of a DVD.   I see that many people had a problem with this supposedly writable drive.  Thank you.

GeekyG · Answer

Do the Dell hardware diagnostics by the book, see what happens. But if that does not identify the problem replace the drive, do not waste your time anymore. That particular model is some piece of work ... must hold some sort of record for poor quality ...

Storage, Drives & Media

Insert a writable disk?

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