Can write onto a DVD but not read from DVD: "The device is not ready"

[Cindy Parker]

After having worked successfully for a couple of years with my current DVD drive (recorder)
there are now problems since a few days.

I can write (=burn) as usually onto a DVD.

But when I want to read the content of such a DVD nothing is listed.
The drive letter is shown as usual in WinExplorer.

When I click on it the DVD seems to be empty. Nothing is shown.

dir E:

in Command prompt shows permanently "The device is not ready" even after 30 minutes!

When I insert the same DVD in another computer (with WinXP) then the 4 files are shown without
problems.

So whats wrong?

Is it a driver a WinXP settings problem?

Again: Burning is possible

Cindy

 

[Arno]

Sounds like defective hardware. These things only have 5 years
life expecnancy. Maybe you are lycky and it is just dust. In that
case, get a dvd drive cleaning kit.

Arno

After having worked successfully for a couple of years with my current DVD drive (recorder)
there are now problems since a few days.

I can write (=burn) as usually onto a DVD.

But when I want to read the content of such a DVD nothing is listed.
The drive letter is shown as usual in WinExplorer.

When I click on it the DVD seems to be empty. Nothing is shown.

dir E:

in Command prompt shows permanently "The device is not ready" even after 30 minutes!

When I insert the same DVD in another computer (with WinXP) then the 4 files are shown without
problems.

So whats wrong?

Is it a driver a WinXP settings problem?

 

[Rod Speed]

After having worked successfully for a couple of years with my
current DVD drive (recorder) there are now problems since a few days.

I can write (=burn) as usually onto a DVD.

But when I want to read the content of such a DVD nothing is listed.
The drive letter is shown as usual in WinExplorer.

When I click on it the DVD seems to be empty. Nothing is shown.

dir E:

in Command prompt shows permanently "The device is not ready" even
after 30 minutes!

When I insert the same DVD in another computer (with WinXP) then the
4 files are shown without problems.

So whats wrong?

Is it a driver a WinXP settings problem?

Again: Burning is possible

Likely the drive has died in the sense of not being able to read properly, even tho it can still burn.

 

[Rod Speed]

BTW, the trouble with setting follow-ups is 1) that if you post back
saying that my idea solved your problem, or any other info, I won't
see your post because I don't read help and support. (If you reply to
my first answer and not to this one.)

And 2) if someone solves your problem, I won't see that either, even
though now my curiosity has been piqued.

At the very least you should write "Follow-ups set" but that doesn't
really solve the problem. If I notice it, it puts the burden on me to
add the name of the group I read, and even that only solves problem 1,
not 2.

How do people feel about setting follow-ups?

Yeah, I agree, I didnt even notice that she had done that.

 

[pjp]

First insure you are using a dvd that does have something on it, e.g. a
commercial bought disk. Also be aware that to best of my knowledge there's
two lasers involved, one for reading and the second for writing. It is very
possible to have one fail and the other keep working. That said, dvd burners
are cheap, e.g. < $35 Canadian and a simple matter to replace.

 

[Arno]

After having worked successfully for a couple of years with my current DVD drive (recorder)
there are now problems since a few days.

I can write (=burn) as usually onto a DVD.

But when I want to read the content of such a DVD nothing is listed.
The drive letter is shown as usual in WinExplorer.

When I click on it the DVD seems to be empty. Nothing is shown.

dir E:

in Command prompt shows permanently "The device is not ready" even after 30 minutes!

When I insert the same DVD in another computer (with WinXP) then the 4 files are shown without
problems.

So whats wrong?

Is it a driver a WinXP settings problem?

Again: Burning is possible

Cindy

Looks like a hardware problem. These things only have 5 years life
expectancy.

Arno

 

[Klaatu Barada Nikto]

Looks like a hardware problem. These things only have 5 years life
expectancy.

Arno

Where did you pull that arbitrary number? Out of your rectum?

 

[Peter Foldes]

Cindy

Might try the following

http://support.microsoft.com/gp/cd_dvd_drive_problems
and if needed
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/982116

--
Peter
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