Cannot erase CD-RW with NEC 1100A

Question

I can write to a virgin CD-RW, but once it's ejected, it appears as a CD-ROM on it's next use. CD-R sessions usually work properly, but they too sometimes appear as a CD-ROM, with no ability to add another session. I never finalize data discs, so that's not it. I've tried erasing from XP, Roxio ECDC, Deep Burner, and even a Linux app. I always get a message about not being an erasable disc, or it doesn't even show up as an option. Everything else seems to work fine. Reads everything, DVD+R/RW, CD-R/RW. Writes fine to DVD+R/RW. Writes fine to CD-R if it didn't get finalized on it's own. Writes fine (once) to CR-RW as long as it's never been used. I've searched this forum and at support.microsoft.com, trying anything remotely sounding plausible. I've pored over Predator's excellent CD/RW Help resource, trying all the usual suspects: DMA, reinstall drivers, reset NVRAM, latest firmware, dumping Roxio and that silly DirectCD (using their utility to avoid filter issues), latest IMAPI version is actually started, etc. Any suggestions on what I might try next? Dimension 4550 NEC 1100A DVD+RW 10GE,A04 Win XP SP2, fully updated. Currently burning only from XP

osprey4 · Answer

What brand CD-RW? What burning software?

bcworks22 · Answer

TDK, Sony, Verbatim, Memorex Roxio ECDC 5.3.5.10v/17 Win XP Deep Burner

osprey4 · Answer

Roxio version 5 was rendered obsolete by SP2. You'll either need to buy an update or something else. Let me suggest for the moment that you simply uninstall it. See if you can erase the disc using the native Windows CD wizard.

bcworks22 · Answer

Yup, Roxio is now history. Win CD Wiz has same problem. I guess the problem lies deeper than user app level software.

osprey4 · Answer

Also make sure you do not use Drag to disc, or whatever that Roxio packet writing program is called.

bcworks22 · Answer

Yes, you are referring to DirectCD. That was a likely suspect. I understand that DirectCD formatting appears to other software as a CD-ROM to prevent other software from scrambling the contents.

That was not the problem though. Turns out it was a dirty laser lens. Despite my experience, I would not recommend regular cleaning. The laser assembly is very sensitive and easily misaligned. If you’re ready to throw your drive in the trash, it’s certainly worth a try, but in my opinion, regular cleaning would do more harm than good in most situations.

I may have a somewhat unusual situation, I live on a dirt road that contains a fair bit of bentonite, causing extremely fine dust that gets into nearly everything. The stuff blows right through my vacuum’s bogus “HEPA” filter. Note also that this drive worked in this environment for 4 years before showing problems.

There was a layer of very fine particles on the lens, only visible through a loupe. I could not blow it off with a blower bulb and didn’t dare blow it with anything stronger. I ended up using methanol and a microfiber lens cloth wrapped onto a Q-tip to get the dust off. Hopefully I’m good for another four years.

Thank you Osprey for your thoughts. You regulars on this forum provide a valuable service. Your dedication is remarkable.

osprey4 · Answer

Thanks for a good story. We often overlook the dirty lens phenomena.

Storage, Drives & Media

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