CD/DVD burner won't read blank cd

Question

I am trying to burn some music onto a blank CD-R disc but my drive will not read that there is a cd in it. I have burned cd's in the past with no trouble. I can insert a previously burned cd into the drive and it will read the information that is on it. What could be a possible problem?   Thanks,

osprey4 · Answer

Please read, 'What to include in your post.' Then post the requested information and we'll try to help you. Thanks! :)

tr4 · Answer

The blank cd may not really be blank. Try others. also is the cd an old one, many old 4x disks will not work in newer drives

sandstorm522 · Answer

My system does the same thing. I have a Dimension E510, built in March 2006. My CD Burner has worked off and on. When it was under warrenty, I tried to talk with DELL and they told me some stupid thing about needing to buy high quality CDs. So I went out and purchased SONY. Still doesn't work. It reads CDs fine, but won't 'See' a blank CD, UNLESS it's a CD-RW. DELL just kept putting me off and now my warrenty is up!   HELP!!!!!

osprey4 · Answer

Sandstorm:

You should start a new thread, but let me suggest you work through these standard troubleshooting steps before you do.

Then when you start your thread, please provide the model of your CD burner. I'll check back in a bit.

countryman · Answer

I have burned from this case of cd's on this computer before and never had a problem. All of a suden it just won't read that there is a cd in the drive.

countryman · Answer

I have a Dim E310 with Windows XP. Hope this helps.   Thanks,

osprey4 · Answer

Hi, Countryman:   Can you check two things? Look in device manager under CD/DVD drives and locate the model of your drive for me. While there, check your IDE channels and see if any drive's 'current transfer mode' is listed as PIO.

tr4 · Answer

If you've been burning from the same pack and now it does not, my guess is your laser is shot. New burner is the most practical solution. If you addressed this with Dell recently when it was under warranty and they blew you off, I'd call back and look for a free part. I'd go up the chain of command if I had to. But if you called like month ago, you are probably out of luck as you waited too long. Maybe luckily DS DVD RW are cheap. Some people who tech knowledge I trust say that dvd burners burn cd's better than cd burners

countryman · Answer

osprey4,   It looks like the model number is GWA4164B, is that correct? The transfer modes are all lised as 'Ultra DMA mode 2' and 'Ultra DMA mode 5'

osprey4 · Answer

Uh oh, the infamous GWA4164B. Please work through these standard troubleshooting steps, but I need to tell you that replacement might be the only fix.

countryman · Answer

Oh great. Thanks I'll try these out.

Storage, Drives & Media

Was this post helpful?