A strange DVD-RW problem...

Puff3rf15h · 06-21-2009, 10:41 PM

Hi guys! I was wondering if you could help me with a rather frustrating problem.

Basically, my DVD writer has stopped burning. It is still recognised by the computer, and it can still read and access discs, but whenever I try to use it to burn a disc, it tells me that it can't find any recording devices. I've tried all the usual avenues, such as uninstalling/reinstalling the drive, resetting its registry entries, checking the IMAPI service is running etc. I've also tried system restore and repairing the installation. After trying all this, I came to the conclusion that the burning laser must be screwed, so I got another dvd burner from the loft, but after replacing what I thought was a faulty drive, I'm still getting the same problem. I'm completely stumped now, and I really don't want to have to reinstall, as I can't backup any of my data. (for obvious reasons)

Please help me!

P.S. I'm running XP SP3, but was running SP2 when it started. I thought the update might help, but to no avail.

**spike2me** · 06-21-2009, 10:48 PM

What is your DVD writing software? If it is Nero, you can go to the Tool bar to Recorder/Choose Recorder. Make sure you drive is listed. Then go to Recorder/Disc Info, with a blank in the Drive. It should tell you if it is a disc the drive recognizes (Blank DVDR/RW) Try a different brand of disc, if it says no media. If your drive is not listed, Go to the Device Manager. Are there any yellow marks next to CD/DVD drive? If so then you need to remove the upper and lower filters in the Registry. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/270008/

Puff3rf15h · 06-22-2009, 09:03 AM

Thanks, but I've already tried all of that. Additionally, although most software won't recognise the drive as a recorder, the built-in windows disc writing through explorer will give me the option to copy files to a blank disc, but it tells me that there was a problem copying. It also gives the impression of erasing discs through explorer, but it only takes 5 seconds then acts like it was never doing it in the first place.

dai · 06-22-2009, 10:45 AM

uninstall an reinstall your burning software

Puff3rf15h · 06-22-2009, 11:03 AM

Already tried that too.

dai · 06-22-2009, 11:08 AM

uninstall the drive from the device manager and reboot

Puff3rf15h · 06-22-2009, 11:55 AM

Already tried that. I did mention it in my initial post.

dai · 06-22-2009, 09:28 PM

try a new data cable on the drive there may be a broken wire in it

what are you running
video card
cpu
m/board
ram
power supply
brand
wattage

check the listings in the bios for voltages and temperatures and post them

06-21-2009, 10:41 PM	#1 (permalink)
Puff3rf15h Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 4 OS: Windows XP SP3	A strange DVD-RW problem... Hi guys! I was wondering if you could help me with a rather frustrating problem. Basically, my DVD writer has stopped burning. It is still recognised by the computer, and it can still read and access discs, but whenever I try to use it to burn a disc, it tells me that it can't find any recording devices. I've tried all the usual avenues, such as uninstalling/reinstalling the drive, resetting its registry entries, checking the IMAPI service is running etc. I've also tried system restore and repairing the installation. After trying all this, I came to the conclusion that the burning laser must be screwed, so I got another dvd burner from the loft, but after replacing what I thought was a faulty drive, I'm still getting the same problem. I'm completely stumped now, and I really don't want to have to reinstall, as I can't backup any of my data. (for obvious reasons) Please help me! P.S. I'm running XP SP3, but was running SP2 when it started. I thought the update might help, but to no avail.

06-21-2009, 10:48 PM	#2 (permalink)
spike2me TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 2,501 OS: XP SP3, Vista SP2, Windows7	Re: A strange DVD-RW problem... What is your DVD writing software? If it is Nero, you can go to the Tool bar to Recorder/Choose Recorder. Make sure you drive is listed. Then go to Recorder/Disc Info, with a blank in the Drive. It should tell you if it is a disc the drive recognizes (Blank DVDR/RW) Try a different brand of disc, if it says no media. If your drive is not listed, Go to the Device Manager. Are there any yellow marks next to CD/DVD drive? If so then you need to remove the upper and lower filters in the Registry. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/270008/ __________________ Spike Baron A Plus, MCSE, MCAS (office 2007) MOUS, CNA

06-22-2009, 09:03 AM	#3 (permalink)
Puff3rf15h Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 4 OS: Windows XP SP3	Re: A strange DVD-RW problem... Thanks, but I've already tried all of that. Additionally, although most software won't recognise the drive as a recorder, the built-in windows disc writing through explorer will give me the option to copy files to a blank disc, but it tells me that there was a problem copying. It also gives the impression of erasing discs through explorer, but it only takes 5 seconds then acts like it was never doing it in the first place.

06-22-2009, 10:45 AM	#4 (permalink)
dai Manager, Hardware Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: west australia Posts: 56,219 OS: win 7 32x 64x rtm	Re: A strange DVD-RW problem... uninstall an reinstall your burning software __________________

06-22-2009, 11:03 AM	#5 (permalink)
Puff3rf15h Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 4 OS: Windows XP SP3	Re: A strange DVD-RW problem... Already tried that too.

06-22-2009, 11:08 AM	#6 (permalink)
dai Manager, Hardware Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: west australia Posts: 56,219 OS: win 7 32x 64x rtm	Re: A strange DVD-RW problem... uninstall the drive from the device manager and reboot __________________

06-22-2009, 11:55 AM	#7 (permalink)
Puff3rf15h Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 4 OS: Windows XP SP3	Re: A strange DVD-RW problem... Already tried that. I did mention it in my initial post.

06-22-2009, 09:28 PM	#8 (permalink)
dai Manager, Hardware Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: west australia Posts: 56,219 OS: win 7 32x 64x rtm	Re: A strange DVD-RW problem... try a new data cable on the drive there may be a broken wire in it what are you running video card cpu m/board ram power supply brand wattage check the listings in the bios for voltages and temperatures and post them __________________