DVD media not recognized...

[Guest]

I have a custom build running Windows Vista Business (x86) edition. When
inserting a DVD, be it commercial, burned, or blank, it is not recognized
properly. For instance:
* A blank DVD+R is not recognized at all and I am instructed to enter media
before I can burn.
* Microsoft Money DVD is initially recognized (proper icon is dsplayed in
Computer and properties are displayed), but when attempting to access it it
ejects the disc and states no media found.
* The Vista DVD itself is not recognized as it should. Again, the proper
properties are displayed, but when attempting to access it (open or explore)
it displays a blank drive and prompts for a title as part of the burn process.

CDs are recognized properly without incident. This problem did not exist
under Vista Ultimate RC2 or Windows XP, but reproduces itself each time I
reinstall (clean) Vista.

The drive is a Lite-On SOHW-1633S DVD+/-RW. The latest drivers, from 2002,
produce the same results as those included with Vista. Problem persists in
Safe Mode and using Windows Explorer as well as Nero and Roxio burning suites.

I know that swapping out the drive would likely resolve the problem, but I
would like to get this one working. It may be something simple, such as an
overlooked service I have disabled or could disable, so any suggestions are
welcome.

 

[Cari \(MS-MVP\)]

A DVD optical drive uses two different lasers, one for the CD side and one
for the DVD side. It sounds like either the DVD laser has failed or is very
dirty. You can use a standard CD cleaning kit to try to clean it up, but
replacing the drive is probably a more viable option.

 

[Knight]

Windows Vista Ultimate DVD bugs:

1. Drives disappear and reappear.

2. Burning dvd's fail.

3. Reading Fail.

4. Can't format media.

Since I'm dual booting with Windows XP and none these problems exist
in XP then it appears the problem is Vista is buggy as hell when it
comes to DVD burners.

==============================================================

 

[Don]

Windows Vista Ultimate DVD bugs:

1. Drives disappear and reappear.

2. Burning dvd's fail.

3. Reading Fail.

4. Can't format media.

Since I'm dual booting with Windows XP and none these problems exist
in XP then it appears the problem is Vista is buggy as hell when it
comes to DVD burners.

My reading confirms what you say but, in addition, some of the bugs are
triggered by installing CD/DVD authoring software which is not Vista-
ready yet. The OP's mention of Nero and Roxio hint that this might be
causing his problem.