DVD Writer troubles help pls

[Dr.G]

Ive got an al cheapo DVD writer that came with my old pc, but it has stopped writting dvds and even has trouble reading some disks
I think it might need a driver update or something because Nero etc don't even detect it as a DVD writer any more?
I have tried google'n for drivers but the DVD writer does'nt even have a name ie: Lg,Samsung etc...
WHAT can i do please help

 

[LazyLion]

Ive got an al cheapo DVD writer that came with my old pc, but it has stopped writting dvds and even has trouble reading some disks
I think it might need a driver update or something because Nero etc don't even detect it as a DVD writer any more?
I have tried google'n for drivers but the DVD writer does'nt even have a name ie: Lg,Samsung etc...
WHAT can i do please help

DVD writers do not, as such, have drivers (the driver is built into Windows). There are drivers for the lightscribe feature. Other than that, the support for the Writer portion of the drive is built into the DVD Writing software.

You could try some other DVD writing software and see if that helps...

http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showpost.php?p=1587420&postcount=2

If Nero was working fine before and it has only recently started giving problems, then your drive may be failing. The one thing you can try is to blow out the dust. Just pop open the tray and give a good blow into the casing. That is only a temporary solution. You can try to open the case yourself and clean the laser read head with alcohol solution and a cotton bud, but generally it is not worth it. If you have had the drive for a couple of years, then it is probably time for a new one. And at less than R300 a shot, the new generation of DVD drives are pretty cheap. Just toss the old one on the junk heap and get a new one.

 

[Dr.G]

haha k thanks man thats kinda what i was thinking of doingIts alot easier that way...I saw a LG going for R199 at Pc int

 

[.Froot.]

If you use a dvd writer really often, they only last about a year or two. I've really used mine a lot (around 600-800 dvd's) and it's starting to give a problem here and there.
DVD writers start at around R230-ish for an LG Super-multi or equivalent.

 

[.Froot.]

It could be dirty, but you could spend up to R60 finding out by buying a cleaner.

They aren't expensive nowadays so I would recommend replacing it. You can find out the manufacturer by looking at the system information. {Right click on C: drive and select properties/hardware.}

Maybe wait for a BD compatible one. (Blue Ray)

Or simply check on the front of the drive. It usually says the name in Black/Silver/White.

 

[Dr.G]

All it says in device manager is DVDRW IDE 16X ATA DEVICE lol, is it advisable to just open it up myself and check for dust etc?

 

[mercurial]

Try updating your firmware of you writer. It might be that you are using new DVD's and your writer does not recognise it.

 

[Dr.G]

Or simply check on the front of the drive. It usually says the name in Black/Silver/White.

There is nothing to the effect of a brand name on the front...Just stuff like, dual layer 16X etc etc

 

[Dr.G]

Try updating your firmware of you writer. It might be that you are using new DVD's and your writer does not recognise it.

Ive tried but i cant find the firmware any where as there is no name of the writer, i spend a good few hours on google trying

 

[mercurial]

Try Device Manager to see what name pops up, if any. Also try using Nero's Infotool.

 

[.Froot.]

There is nothing to the effect of a brand name on the front...Just stuff like, dual layer 16X etc etc

Then you have two options. 1 remove the drive from the case, or simply try to see on the top of the drive. It will say a load of techno-garbage including the manufacturer. If it doesn't, you have one of those Chinese-make-them-for-all drives (one manufacturer that puts labels of several manufacturers on their products).
2. Check at system information. It should definitely have it there.

 

[mercurial]

Download this amazing freeware app http://www.gtopala.com/siw-download.html. It might have the info you are looking for.

 

[Dr.G]

Then you have two options. 1 remove the drive from the case, or simply try to see on the top of the drive. It will say a load of techno-garbage including the manufacturer. If it doesn't, you have one of those Chinese-make-them-for-all drives (one manufacturer that puts labels of several manufacturers on their products).
2. Check at system information. It should definitely have it there.

In system information next to manufacturer is says: (Standard CD-ROM Drives)Lol

 

[Dr.G]

I am noticing something now, i just put a blank disk in to check again and as soon as the tray closes i can hear the drive trying to spin up and the green LED flashing alot, but it sounds like its not reading properly? Like you know the noise the HHD makes when its searching....Do you think mayb its dirt on the lense?

 

[mercurial]

I am noticing something now, i just put a blank disk in to check again and as soon as the tray closes i can hear the drive trying to spin up and the green LED flashing alot, but it sounds like its not reading properly? Like you know the noise the HHD makes when its searching....Do you think mayb its dirt on the lense?

It could be that the DVD is not recognised and so the writer is constantly trying to read it. Download that app to see what writer you have.

 

[Dr.G]

Okay, there is still no names as such, that program just gives me the device IDroperty Value
Here's a screen shot: http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/album.php?albumid=20&pictureid=119

 

[mercurial]

Okay, there is still no names as such, that program just gives me the device IDroperty Value
Here's a screen shot: http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/album.php?albumid=20&pictureid=119

Yikes. Very strange.

 

[Dr.G]

Do you think its worth it to open it up?

 

[mercurial]

Do you think its worth it to open it up?

Ya, just open your pc box/casing so that you can see the name of the writer. Don't open up the writer itself. Is it not under guarantee? Can't you take it back?

 

[wizdumb]

how easy is it to open one, as i also have on laying around, which isn't reading anything (out of waranty)

i know on my hifi - i just had to clean the laser lens and then it worked 100%