Windows XP Home Edition won't recognize DVD drive

[Guest]

Windows won't recognize the DVD RW drive on my computer when I insert a blank
DVD. It does recognize blank CD's though. I can, however, write to the DVD
drive using a 3rd party DVD/CD burning program and Windows will then
recognize the DVD. The drive will read DVD drives with data on them.

I have uninstalled the drive and the driver and then reinstalled both but
this did not help.

 

[M and D]

Windows XP does not support DVD writing. You need third party software for that, as you have discovered. XP can, however, read DVDs as this is indistinguishable from reading CDs.

Steven

 

[Guest]

Hi, I have the same problem and have read loads of comments about solving it.
I've got a Sony DVD RW DW-U18A, remedys included reinstaling drivers (
dosent work), flashing firmware (no need), replace drive or have mended
(drive ok).
Loads of remarks about XP not supporting DVD burning, this may be true but
if your PC came with a drive installed there is also third party software
installed, if you have added a drive you should also have installed the
software that came with it, this is also not the problem.
System Restore will work as long as you go back to the original instalation
and then turn off automatic updates, this is hardly acceptable.
After far to much messing about I've got it down to one of Microsofts
critical updates, problem is which one! Microsoft have a fix ( Imapi.sys
5.1.2600.2505 ) but you have to PAY for it from Tech support. Rather than
potentially damage your system trying things that dont work, email Microsoft
and complain

 

[Yves Leclerc]

Hi, I have the same problem and have read loads of comments about solving it.
I've got a Sony DVD RW DW-U18A, remedys included reinstaling drivers (
dosent work), flashing firmware (no need), replace drive or have mended
(drive ok).
Loads of remarks about XP not supporting DVD burning, this may be true but
if your PC came with a drive installed there is also third party software
installed, if you have added a drive you should also have installed the
software that came with it, this is also not the problem.
System Restore will work as long as you go back to the original instalation
and then turn off automatic updates, this is hardly acceptable.
After far to much messing about I've got it down to one of Microsofts
critical updates, problem is which one! Microsoft have a fix ( Imapi.sys
5.1.2600.2505 ) but you have to PAY for it from Tech support. Rather than
potentially damage your system trying things that dont work, email Microsoft
and complain

Since XP does not write to most DVD formats natively, except maybe for
DVD-RAM, it seems to be normal that XP will not be able to "read" the blank
DVDs.

 

[Guest]

Windows XP used to fuction OK with any blank media but an update changed all
that. On Microsoft's Knowladge Base there is a discription of the problem, an
admitance that it's caused by an update (SP2 or after), and a link to tech
support to purchase the fix. See artical 818733.I'm still comunicating with
Microsoft to remedy the problem.

 

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

Windows XP used to fuction OK with any blank media but an update changed all
that. On Microsoft's Knowladge Base there is a discription of the problem, an
admitance that it's caused by an update (SP2 or after), and a link to tech
support to purchase the fix. See artical 818733.I'm still comunicating with
Microsoft to remedy the problem.

You do not "purchase" a hotfix.

Read the article under "Hotfix Information" where it states that if you are experiencing the problem that the hotfix is designed to correct then you will not be charged for the support call. A hotfix is always free, since it fixes a known bug in the Windows program.

Windows XP does not recognize a DVD-RW disc:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/818733

 

[Guest]

Because I am running an OEM version I have to pay for technical assistance,
the hotfix is only available from tech support, so to get the fix is going to
cost £40. This has been confirmed by Microsoft!

 

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

Because I am running an OEM version I have to pay for technical assistance,
the hotfix is only available from tech support, so to get the fix is going to
cost £40. This has been confirmed by Microsoft!

Smorg

It doesn't matter whether the OS is OEM or not. They should be providing the patch at no charge. Make sure that you are stating that you are experiencing the exact problem that this patch addresses.

If they still want to charge you, I would ask to speak to their supervisor. Remind them that the article states that the fix will be provided free of charge.