Problems with my DVD burner
 

I went to copy a DVD this weekend. When I came back, there was some power failure message (I think). I didn't really read it (or think about it) and tried again but nothing would happen. Nero now says that there is no media there if I try to burn a DVD but still works fine for CDs.

Since then, my DVD burner only recognizes CDs and CD-Rs. It cannot read ANY DVD format (purchased DVDs, data DVD, blank DVD, re-authored, etc). If I put in a DVD, the drives spins up, lights flash and then nothing happens. I'll click on the drive, the computer 'thinks' for a while and nothing shows for the drive (i.e. I'm not getting the 'please insert disk into dirve D:)The device manager says it's working properly (obviously it's not).

It this a software problem that might be fixed by flashing the firmware or is this somehow mechanical? I can afford a new burner but I don't want to buy one since this one is barely a year old.

Are there any errors in the device manager for the drive? Does device manager show the drive with the correct Model, or is it generic information? Can you reinstall the drivers for the drive?

The device manager says that it is working properly. I guess I could search the internet for the drivers.

I used to have a similar problem every once in a while with my CDR/RW drive. What ended up working for me was turning the computer off, disconnect the IDE and power cables from the drive, and boot the computer up. I'd then shut down the computer, connect the drive back up, boot up and it would be good to go.

So I've uninstalled the device, reinstalled it, rolled back the firmware and updated the firmware. Nothing has worked. I don't understand why it would just ignore a DVD but actu normally when a CD is in the tray. It may be time to buy a new one.

Can't think of anything else for you to try, unless you have a nother machine to plug it into, to see what it installs as there...

Check the manufacturer's website first and see if it is still under warranty. Most cover at least a year.

The ironic thing: The warranty (1 year) expired the day after this happened. Talk about timing

They're cheap, go get you a new one.

I agree. Get a Plextor. I have a PX-712A 12x DVD+/-RW drive and get quite a bit of use out of it. I have had it since August and never had a problem with the drive or burned media. Make sure your using good software, too. Use Nero 6.0 or higher. If you're into that whole dual-layer thing (which no one should be since you can't find the media to save your life) go ahead and get yourself a Sony.

Mine just died a couple of weeks ago. I've had it for about 1 1/2 years but have put on some serious mileage on it. It won't recognize any DVD disc but works fine with CDs. I guess the laser has gotten weaker to read the DVD medias.

Bought myself a new NEC some I'm good to go again.