Cd's always write protected after adding data??!!??!!

Question

I have lost so much data on removable cd's with this Dell it isn't funny!!!!!!!!!!  I follow the directions with my Sonic Digital Media to add data to a new removable disk (CD-RW----it is mostly family tree stuff that I need to update frequently) and after I remove the cd from the drive and put it back in a few days later to work with my data it tells me that the disk it write protected.  I tried the disk in my trusty old dinosaur Gateway and it worked perfectly!  I can burn music cd's with no problem.  I have always had a problem with saving data to cd's with this computer, I just figured I didn't know how to work the program,  but come on...how hard can it be?  I am thinking it might be a hardware problem after reading some of the posts here.  I am still under warranty.  I just wanted some input before I spent hours talking to the wonderful dell support people.

osprey4 · Answer

All files on any CD (CD-R, CD-RW, CD-ROM) are write-protected. So I'm not sure what the problem is. Do you want to over-write a data CD-RW to make it a music CD-RW? If so, you need to erase it first.

One program that may present a problem in this regard is DLA. Make sure DLA is disabled in drive properties.

jcleckner · Answer

I disabled DLA and formatted a brand new cd-rw, tried to put a data file on it and now I get the message that the information in the specified file had been damaged (when I try to open the file on the cd).  No, I am not trying to overwrite a rw with music, I was just saying that I have no problem burning music on brand new cd-r's but I can't save data to a brand new cd-rw to save my life.  I have no idea if I am doing something wrong, I am following the directions from my sonic digital media program to the T.  That is why I feel there might be a problem with the drive..................so frustrating!!!!!!!!!!!!!

osprey4 · Answer

If DLA is disabled and CD recording is enabled, then you should be able to use the Windows CD writing wizard. HOWEVER, I need to point out that certain brands of CD-RW discs are notoriously unreliable and should not be used for anything important. Memorex is the worst. If that's what you're using, take thewm back to the store and request something else.

Storage, Drives & Media

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