Cannot read or write rewritable CDs

C

C.M.G.

win xp professional version 2002, sp2
Pentium 4, 2.8 ghz, 1 gb ram

I have a CD/DVD ROM and CD/DVD RW.

I use the RW drive for backups, usually to DVD+RW; this currently works
well.

I have used CD-RW in the past, but not in quite a while. I recently tried to
record a CD-RW, but the drive does not recognize the disc. I have tried 3
different kinds of CD-RW, all with the same problem. The same CD-RWs work
normally in my laptop (same OS).

The ROM reads DVDs and non re-writable CDs normally, but does not read
rewritable CDs.

Any ideas where to start tackling this?

Thanks,

Clem.
 
M

M.I.5¾

C.M.G. said:
win xp professional version 2002, sp2
Pentium 4, 2.8 ghz, 1 gb ram

I have a CD/DVD ROM and CD/DVD RW.

I use the RW drive for backups, usually to DVD+RW; this currently works
well.

I have used CD-RW in the past, but not in quite a while. I recently tried
to record a CD-RW, but the drive does not recognize the disc. I have tried
3 different kinds of CD-RW, all with the same problem. The same CD-RWs
work normally in my laptop (same OS).

The ROM reads DVDs and non re-writable CDs normally, but does not read
rewritable CDs.

Any ideas where to start tackling this?
Click to expand...

Yes. The CD laser has died. Most DVD/CD drives use the DVD laser to read
pre mastered CDs but this doesn't work with CD-R and CD-RW discs and the CD
laser has to be used. CD-RW discs have a much lower refectivity than CD-R
and if the laser doesn't have enough power then the reflected beam is too
dim to be read correctly.

Failing lasers are the single most common failure mode of both computer
DVD/CD drives and also CD audio and DVD video players/recorders. A typical
life of 2 years is actually about average for a computer drive.
Fortunately, they are cheap to replace.
 
C

C.M.G.

M.I.5¾,

Thanks for your input; I bought a new drive; same problem; took it back.

Clem.
 
C

C.M.G.

Peter,

Thanks for your input. I ran the diagnostic utility, but it failed. I tried
the same disk in 2 other machines, it works fine.

Clem.
 
M

M.I.5¾

C.M.G. said:
M.I.5¾,

Thanks for your input; I bought a new drive; same problem; took it back.
Click to expand...

That would indicate that the problem is elsewhere. Though at present, I
can't imagine where. Have you tried a different brand of CD-RW?
 
C

C.M.G.

I've tried 2 brands (two types from 1 brand and 1 type from another brand),
same prob.
 
C

C.M.G.

Initial post:

===================
I have a CD/DVD ROM and CD/DVD RW.

I use the RW drive for backups, usually to DVD+RW; this currently works
well.

I have used CD-RW in the past, but not in quite a while. I recently tried to
record a CD-RW, but the drive does not recognize the disc. I have tried 3
different kinds of CD-RW, all with the same problem. The same CD-RWs work
normally in my laptop (same OS).

The ROM reads DVDs and non re-writable CDs normally, but does not read
rewritable CDs.
===================

I have now uninstalled itunes, real, quicktime, some video viewing utility
the name of which I've forgotten (shipped with Dell), and I've rolled back
windows media player from v11 to v9.

Updates are all current, though I use xp pro sp2, not sp3. When sp3 first
came out, I installed it, but something stopped working, don't quite
remember what, so I rolled back to sp2.

Any other ideas?

Thanks,
 
J

JD

C.M.G. said:
Initial post:

===================
I have a CD/DVD ROM and CD/DVD RW.

I use the RW drive for backups, usually to DVD+RW; this currently works
well.

I have used CD-RW in the past, but not in quite a while. I recently tried to
record a CD-RW, but the drive does not recognize the disc. I have tried 3
different kinds of CD-RW, all with the same problem. The same CD-RWs work
normally in my laptop (same OS).

The ROM reads DVDs and non re-writable CDs normally, but does not read
rewritable CDs.
===================

I have now uninstalled itunes, real, quicktime, some video viewing utility
the name of which I've forgotten (shipped with Dell), and I've rolled back
windows media player from v11 to v9.

Updates are all current, though I use xp pro sp2, not sp3. When sp3 first
came out, I installed it, but something stopped working, don't quite
remember what, so I rolled back to sp2.

Any other ideas?

Thanks,
Click to expand...

Try a different cable to connect the drive.
 
C

C.M.G.

There is just one ribbon cable, with two different connectors, for the two
optical disc drives. If the cable were defective, disabling the CD-RW read
and write function on the "E" drive, would one expect the DVD+RW on the same
drive to still work (which it does)? And if different portions of the cable
are responsible for CD vs DVD R/W, which cable would I use (since there only
appears to be one)? Would it make sense to switch the "D" and "E" drive
connectors?

Thanks,

Clem.
 
C

C.M.G.

Hello Hot-text,

Thanks for your suggestion. I am not sure I understand you correctly:

The ribbon cable has two connectors; the one closer to the motherboard is
connected to the RW, and the farther away (at the end of the ribbon) is
connected to the ROM.

The jumpers on both optical drives are set to cable select.

Are you saying the ROM should be plugged in closer to the motherboard, and
the jumper set to Master? And the RW connects at the end or the ribbon
cable, and jumper set to Cable select?

I appreciate your help.

Clem.
 
H

Hot-text

The jumpers on both optical drives are set to cable select. NO No
One jumpers cable select.
One jumpers Master.
the farther or closer not it
it Master and cable select that make it work you is Just puck one..
 
C

CMG

Hello M.I.5¾,

You were right after all! After messing around with other possible causes of
the problem, I finally bought another new drive. It seems to be working
fine!

Thanks,

Clem.
 
H

Hot-text

And the New One is Master <<< by default
and the Old the is CSEL

for Rom always
it will work and the Errors will go a way
 

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