Just recently, I have been unable to burn DVD-R discs using my Benq DW1620. I have been using the same media that I have always used (Phillips DVD-R 8X [25 pack]). I am still able to read DVDs (as well as burned DVDs).

I initially thought it was a software problem, so I reinstalled the Nero software I have been using and also the drivers for the DVD writer. This was to no avail. So after some other checks (tried cleaning the drive, made sure IDE cable was secure, jumper set to master, using a different burning ROM), I took the drive over to my in-laws, where I was able to successfully burn one of the very same DVD-R on their PC that I had been trying on my PC.

It looks like there is absolutely nothing wrong with the drive. So I installed the drive again on my PC, thinking something may have shifted in the travel process. Still no luck, and this time I noticed that when restarting, the drive made the same noise (and also green light flashes then disappears - not good) while trying to identify the blank media even outside of Windows (still on the bootup screen). Any suggestions / ideas as to what could be preventing my computer from playing nicely?

Edit: Wanted to add some more info about the steps I have already taken -
1) Upgraded firmware to latest version : B7W9
2) Verified that writer is installed correctly (Master on Primary IDE using DMA)
3) Used several different burning ROMS (Nero, CloneDVD, DeepBurner) to no avail
4) Scanned computer for adware / malware using Windows Defender Beta 2 (with latest updates) - nothing found
5) Looked through Windows system folder and registry for anything "odd" - couldn't find anything out of the ordinary
6) Took writer and DVD-R media to in-laws and succesfully burned to media without any hitches

Hello skipbell.

Fire up DVD Decrypter, set the mode (under the Mode menu) to ISO Write, and place one of your blank DVDs into the burner.

Post back what appears on the top line of the righthand column.

Also farther down the column is a line header, Disk ID:. What is the media code that is displayed there?

If you want you can just copy and paste the whole righthand column back to this thread. That may be easier.

If you have a Nero log of an attempted burn, post that here as well. The path differs depending on the version of Nero used.

Nero 6: program files>ahead>Nero>nerohistory.txt

Nero 7: program files>Nero>Nero7>Core>Nerohistory.txt

The log sections begin with ======s and are followed by the Nero program serial number. Omit the serial number and any other IDing info before posting.

After inserting the blank DVD-R and firing up DVD Decrypter --> Mode --> ISO --> Write, I get the following:

The righthand column is blank and the status bar reads "Device Not Ready (Medium Not Present)"

The destination combo box reads "[0:0:0] BENQ DVD DD DW 1620 (D:)"

Edit: May be of interest -- I got home from work today and the green indicator light on the DVD writer was lit (DVD-R in drive). So I fired up Clone DVD (was the last burning ROM tried) and was able to burn a disk. But only one; the next try after success failed. I'm starting to wonder if something is flagging the DVD to disable itself?

What about +R media? Does your burner recognize that all the time or is it not recognized like the -R media type?

Check your firmware and make sure it's up to date. The BenQ 1620 firmware is at this site:

http://forum.rpc1.org/dl_firmware.php?download_id=1905

Post a Nero burn/history log. That may give a clue if there is a conflicting driver installed on your computer. I think I gave instructions in an earlier post.

Here's the log from Nero:


Windows XP 5.1
IA32
WinAspi: -
ahead WinASPI: File 'C:\Program Files\Ahead\Nero\Wnaspi32.dll': Ver=2.0.1.68, size=160016 bytes, created 7/22/2004 5:33:44 PM
Nero version: 6.3.1.23 (Nero Express)
Recorder: <BENQ DVD DD DW1620> Version: B7W9 - HA 0 TA 0 - 6.3.1.23
Adapter driver: <atapi> HA 0
Drive buffer : 2048kB
Bus Type : default (0) -> ATAPI, detected: ATAPI
CD-ROM: <BENQ DVD DD DW1620 >Version: B7W9 - HA 0 TA 0 - 6.3.1.23
Adapter driver: <atapi> HA 0

=== Scsi-Device-Map ===
CdRomPeripheral : BENQ DVD DD DW1620 atapi Port 0 ID 0 DMA: On
DiskPeripheral : Maxtor 6Y120M0 atapi Port 1 ID 0 DMA: On

=== CDRom-Device-Map ===
BENQ DVD DD DW1620 D: CDRom0
=======================

AutoRun : 0
Excluded drive IDs:
WriteBufferSize: 83886080 (0) Byte
ShowDrvBufStat : 0
BUFE : 0
Physical memory : 1014MB (1039148kB)
Free physical memory: 623MB (638252kB)
Memory in use : 38 %
Uncached PFiles: 0x0
Use Static Write Speed Table: 0
Use Inquiry : 1
Global Bus Type: default (0)
Check supported media : Disabled (0)

6.6.2006
UDF/ISO compilation
8:03:50 PM #1 Phase 112 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1855
DVD-Video files reallocation started

8:03:50 PM #2 Phase 114 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1855
DVD-Video files reallocation completed (no file modified)

8:03:50 PM #3 Text 0 File Isodoc.cpp, Line 6078
Iso document burn settings
------------------------------------------
Determine maximum speed : FALSE
Simulate : FALSE
Write : TRUE
Finalize CD : TRUE
Multisession : FALSE
Burning mode : DAO
Mode : 1
ISO Level : 1 (Max. of 11 = 8 + 3 char)
Character set : ISO 9660
Joliet :FALSE
Allow pathdepth more than 8 directories : FALSE
Allow more than 255 characters in path : FALSE
Write ISO9660 ;1 file extensions : TRUE

8:03:50 PM #4 Phase 111 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1855
DVD-Video files sorted

8:03:50 PM #5 Text 0 File Reader.cpp, Line 126
Reader running

8:03:50 PM #6 ISO9660GEN -11 File geniso.cpp, Line 3899
First writeable address = 0 (0x00000000)

8:03:50 PM #7 ISO9660GEN -11 File geniso.cpp, Line 3899
First writeable address = 0 (0x00000000)

8:03:50 PM #8 Text 0 File Burncd.cpp, Line 3152
Turn on Disc-at-once, using DVD media

8:04:32 PM #9 Phase 40 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1855
Aborted by user

8:04:32 PM #10 Text 0 File DlgWaitCD.cpp, Line 259
Write in overburning mode: NO (enabled: CD)

8:04:32 PM #11 Text 0 File DlgWaitCD.cpp, Line 2162
Recorder: BENQ DVD DD DW1620
Medium not present

8:04:32 PM #12 Text 0 File DlgWaitCD.cpp, Line 420
>>> Protocol of DlgWaitCD activities: <<<
=========================================
Insert empty disc to write to.
(Medium in drive: Unknown. Medium required by compilation: DVD+R/RW, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R9 Double Layer.)


Existing drivers:
File 'Drivers\PXHELP20.SYS': Ver=2.03.28a, size=20640 bytes, created 5/31/2005 6:36:01 PM (Prassi/Veritas driver for win 2K)
File 'Drivers\atapi.sys': Ver=5.1.2600.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158), size=95360 bytes, created 8/4/2004 1:59:42 AM (Adapter driver for rec)

Registry Keys:
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WinLogon\AllocateCDROMs : 0 (Security Option)

Kello skipbell.

Edit out your serial number beginning 1A.... by clicking the paper/pencil icon in the upper right of your post.

Upgrade your Nero to version 6.6.0.18 from the site below. The latest Nero 6 version available from Nero is not very stable.

http://www.filehippo.com/download_nero_burning_rom/?539

Your burner firmware is up to date.

Hopefully this will solve your problem.

You can also dump out an ISO file from DVD Shrink and burn that with DVD Decrypter.

Thanks for your help, laddyboy.

I updated Nero to the version pointed to by your response. Unfortunately, the drive still does not recognize the blank DVD-R.

My wife has been able to burn a couple of disks by inserting the blank disc into the drive during immediately after turning the PC on. This only lets her burn one disc though, and then the blanks are no longer recognized. It seems like something is disabling writing somewhere (and not in the usual suspects).

Here's the log after she was able to burn as described above:

Windows XP 5.1
IA32
WinAspi: -
ahead WinASPI: File 'C:\Program Files\Ahead\nero\Wnaspi32.dll': Ver=2.0.1.68, size=160016 bytes, created 7/22/2004 5:33:44 PM
Nero version: 6.3.1.23 (Nero Express)
Recorder: <BENQ DVD DD DW1620> Version: B7W9 - HA 0 TA 0 - 6.3.1.23
Adapter driver: <atapi> HA 0
Drive buffer : 2048kB
Bus Type : default (0) -> ATAPI, detected: ATAPI
CD-ROM: <BENQ DVD DD DW1620 >Version: B7W9 - HA 0 TA 0 - 6.3.1.23
Adapter driver: <atapi> HA 0

=== Scsi-Device-Map ===
CdRomPeripheral : BENQ DVD DD DW1620 atapi Port 0 ID 0 DMA: On
DiskPeripheral : Maxtor 6Y120M0 atapi Port 1 ID 0 DMA: On

=== CDRom-Device-Map ===
BENQ DVD DD DW1620 D: CDRom0
=======================

AutoRun : 0
Excluded drive IDs:
WriteBufferSize: 83886080 (0) Byte
ShowDrvBufStat : 0
BUFE : 0
Physical memory : 1014MB (1039148kB)
Free physical memory: 569MB (583520kB)
Memory in use : 43 %
Uncached PFiles: 0x0
Use Static Write Speed Table: 0
Use Inquiry : 1
Global Bus Type: default (0)
Check supported media : Disabled (0)

7.6.2006
UDF/ISO compilation
7:33:57 AM #1 Phase 112 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1855
DVD-Video files reallocation started

7:33:58 AM #2 Phase 114 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1855
DVD-Video files reallocation completed (no file modified)

7:33:58 AM #3 Text 0 File Isodoc.cpp, Line 6078
Iso document burn settings
------------------------------------------
Determine maximum speed : FALSE
Simulate : FALSE
Write : TRUE
Finalize CD : TRUE
Multisession : FALSE
Burning mode : DAO
Mode : 1
ISO Level : 1 (Max. of 11 = 8 + 3 char)
Character set : ISO 9660
Joliet :FALSE
Allow pathdepth more than 8 directories : FALSE
Allow more than 255 characters in path : FALSE
Write ISO9660 ;1 file extensions : TRUE

7:33:58 AM #4 Phase 111 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1855
DVD-Video files sorted

7:33:58 AM #5 Text 0 File Reader.cpp, Line 126
Reader running

7:33:58 AM #6 Text 0 File Writer.cpp, Line 124
Writer BENQ DVD DD DW1620 running

7:33:58 AM #7 ISO9660GEN -11 File geniso.cpp, Line 3899
First writeable address = 0 (0x00000000)

7:33:58 AM #8 ISO9660GEN -11 File geniso.cpp, Line 3899
First writeable address = 0 (0x00000000)

7:33:58 AM #9 Text 0 File Burncd.cpp, Line 3152
Turn on Disc-at-once, using DVD media

7:33:58 AM #10 Text 0 File DlgWaitCD.cpp, Line 247
Last possible write address on media: 2298495 (510:46.45, 4489MB)
Last address to be written: 2085647 (463:28.47, 4073MB)

7:33:58 AM #11 Text 0 File DlgWaitCD.cpp, Line 259
Write in overburning mode: NO (enabled: CD)

7:33:58 AM #12 Text 0 File DlgWaitCD.cpp, Line 2162
Recorder: BENQ DVD DD DW1620, Media type: DVD-R
Disc Manufacturer: CMC MA - G. AE1
Disc Application Code: 64, Disc Physical Code: 193

7:33:58 AM #13 Text 0 File DlgWaitCD.cpp, Line 420
>>> Protocol of DlgWaitCD activities: <<<
=========================================

7:33:58 AM #14 Text 0 File ThreadedTransferInterface.cpp, Line 813
Setup items (after recorder preparation)
0: TRM_DATA_MODE1 (CTransferItem)
2 indices, index0 (150) not provided
original disc pos #0 + 2085648 (2085648) = #2085648/463:28.48
relocatable, disc pos for caching/writing not required/required, no patch infos
-> TRM_DATA_MODE1, 2048, config 0, wanted index0 0 blocks, length 2085648 blocks [BENQ DVD DD DW1620 ]
--------------------------------------------------------------

7:33:58 AM #15 Text 0 File ThreadedTransferInterface.cpp, Line 984
Prepare recorder [BENQ DVD DD DW1620 ] for write in CUE-sheet-DAO
DAO infos:
==========
MCN: ""
TOCType: 0x00; Session Closed, disc fixated
Tracks 1 to 1:
1: TRM_DATA_MODE1, 2048/0x00, FilePos 0 0 4271407104, ISRC ""
DAO layout:
===========
__Start_|____Track_|_Idx_|_RecDep_|_CtrlAdr_
0 | lead-in | 0 | 0x00 | 0x41
0 | 1 | 0 | 0x00 | 0x41
0 | 1 | 1 | 0x00 | 0x41
2085648 | lead-out | 1 | 0x00 | 0x41

7:33:58 AM #16 Phase 24 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1855
Caching of files started

7:33:58 AM #17 Text 0 File Burncd.cpp, Line 4163
Cache writing successful.

7:33:58 AM #18 Phase 25 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1855
Caching of files completed

7:33:58 AM #19 Phase 36 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1855
Burn process started at 8x (11,080 KB/s)

7:33:58 AM #20 Text 0 File ThreadedTransferInterface.cpp, Line 2344
Verifying disc position of item 0 (relocatable, disc pos, no patch infos, orig at #0): write at #0

7:33:58 AM #21 Text 0 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1713
Set remaining time: 6:31,451 (391451ms) -> OK

7:33:58 AM #22 Text 0 File DVDR.cpp, Line 1955
Recording mode: Sequential Recording Mode

7:33:58 AM #23 Text 0 File Mmc.cpp, Line 20673
Set BUFE: Seamless Link -> ON

7:33:58 AM #24 Text 0 File DVDR.cpp, Line 2096
Start write address at LBA 0
DVD high compatibility mode: Yes

7:33:58 AM #25 Text 0 File Cdrdrv.cpp, Line 8230
---- DVD Structure: Physical Format Information (00h) ----
Layer: 0, Address: 0 (0 h), AGID: 0; Length: 2050
Book Type: DVD-R (2), Part Version: 5
Disc Size: 120 mm, Maximum Rate: <not specified> (F h)
Number of Layers: 1, Track Path: Parallel Track Path (PTP), Layer Type: recordable
Linear Density: 0,267 um/bit, Track Density: 0,74 um/track
Starting Physical Sector Number of Data Area: 30000 h (DVD-ROM, DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R/+RW)
End Physical Sector Number of Data Area: 0 h
End Sector Number in Layer 0: 0 h
Data in Burst Cutting Area (BCA) does not exist
Start sector number of the current Border-Out: 0 h
Start sector number of the next Border-In: 0 h
Media Specific [16..63]:
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 - 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 - 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 - 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................

7:33:58 AM #26 Text 0 File DVDR.cpp, Line 5129
Drive: BENQ DVD DD DW1620
Book Type request: DVD-ROM
Drive doesn't support changing Book Type for DVD-R

7:41:20 AM #27 Text 0 File WriterStatus.cpp, Line 115
<BENQ DVD DD DW1620 > start writing Lead-Out at LBA 2085648 (1FD310h), lenght 0 blocks

7:41:20 AM #28 Text 0 File ThreadedTransfer.cpp, Line 229
all writers idle, stopping conversion

7:41:21 AM #29 Text 0 File DVDR.cpp, Line 2338
EndDAO: Last written address was 2085647

7:41:47 AM #30 Text 0 File DVDR.cpp, Line 5129
Drive: BENQ DVD DD DW1620
Book Type request: DVD-ROM
Drive doesn't support changing Book Type for DVD-R

7:41:47 AM #31 Text 0 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1713
Set remaining time: 0:00,000 (0ms) -> OK

7:41:47 AM #32 Text 0 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1713
Set remaining time: 0:00,000 (0ms) -> OK

7:41:47 AM #33 Phase 37 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1855
Burn process completed successfully at 8x (11,080 KB/s)


Existing drivers:
File 'Drivers\PXHELP20.SYS': Ver=2.03.28a, size=20640 bytes, created 5/31/2005 6:36:01 PM (Prassi/Veritas driver for win 2K)
File 'Drivers\atapi.sys': Ver=5.1.2600.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158), size=95360 bytes, created 8/4/2004 1:59:42 AM (Adapter driver for rec)

Registry Keys:
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WinLogon\AllocateCDROMs : 0 (Security Option)

Just noticed that the log on the normal attempts (DVD-R not recognized) are missing this line in the log of the successful burn, even though the steps after are contained:

7:33:58 AM #6 Text 0 File Writer.cpp, Line 124
Writer BENQ DVD DD DW1620 running

Any ideas?

hi :)

Quote:

---

Nero version: 6.3.1.23 (Nero Express)

---

you still have the same version of Nero, uninstall with Nero tool then reinstall 6.6.0.18 from laddyboy's link

Quote:

---

Disc Manufacturer: CMC MA - G. AE1

---

just about the worst media you can buy, try some verbatim or ty's or ritek

Quote:

---

Burn process started at 8x (11,080 KB/s)

---

far to fast for these disc's, try 4x max

Quote:

---

Media Specific [16..63]:
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 - 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 - 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 - 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................

---

shows all zero's, your drive does'nt like those disc's

Quote:

---

Book Type request: DVD-ROM
Drive doesn't support changing Book Type for DVD-R

---

you can only booktype +r media to -rom

I agree with everything gurnard said. You definitely need to try some different media. Get some +R Verbatims and try them.

I am experiencing the same problem as skipbell, except my DVD burner is a Mitsumi and I am using Memorex DVD's. My search for answers to this problem have been unsuccessful, this is the best try I have seen. There are quite a few threads in many forums with similar problems. One issue is everyone wants to blame the disks. Both skipbell and myself previously burned discs successfully from our same stacks with the same software and now they won't. I agree with skipbell, "It seems like something is disabling writing somewhere (and not in the usual suspects)." I hope someone finds the solution soon.

Can either of you burn CDs?

@BDMike

Memorex is not good media overall. If you get lucky you might get some made by Ridata/Ritek. Otherwise you end up with stuff like CMC Mag which is among the worst.

Here's a link which shows all the manufacturers of various Memorex media:

http://www.videohelp.com/dvdmedia.php?dvdmediasearch=memorex&dvdm...

Also just because you can burn halfway through a stack of media doesn't mean it's all good. The reason some media has poor quality is because the manufacturer has poor quality control practices to keep costs down and uses cheaper dyes. You have to try a good quality media first just to rule that out as a cause.

Also when you reinstalled Nero, did you run the General Clean Tool to uninstall Nero?

Do either of you have any friends that could loan you another burner you could install. If that burner works then it would lead me to suspect the burner as the problem. If the second burner doesn't work, then it's a software conflict it would seem. If you want to be really experimental, reformat your hard drive and do fresh reinstalls of the software.

Another way to verify if it is Nero or the Media is to try another Burning software. CD BURNER XP PRO V3 is freeware from the Internet and does not use aspi but Microsoft's SPTI which is native to XP. I have found in the past that Nero (the latest version at the time 6.6...) would not allow me to down speed my burn even though Nero accepted the selected burn speed. It reported to burn at the max speed that the media was rated for.
When I switched to CD Burner XP Pro speed override happened and I could slowdown the burn rate hense better chance of success with questionable media. You don't even have to uninstall Nero. Just a thought.
Lappy AMD R3320CA w/1 gig ram, 60 gig hhd and a new NEC ND6650a 8X DVD +/- RW.

In answer to your question laddyboy, I was able to burn several CDs without any problem (writer recognized blank CD-R immediately).

I tried to easily locate the Verbatim DVD+R per suggestions in this thread, but didn't find them at the local Walmart. So I decided to see if I could burn with my father-in-law's burner. I swapped with him (downgraded to a 2X write), but was immediately able to recognize the blank DVD-Rs and burn successfully without any problems or software changes. For now, I'm just happy to be back to burning.

Now the question is whether your FIL can burn successfully with your burner.

I am having almost the exact same problem as skipbell, except my DVD/CD burner (TSSTcorp H552B F/W: T12- latest as far as I know) cannot recognize *CDs* (neither reading nor writing), but it can at least read DVDs fine (haven't tried writing DVDs yet).

About a week ago, when I attempted to insert blank CD-R media (Verbatim) in order to burn, the green light on the drive flickered for about a minute before going out, and Nero simply repeated its request for a blank disc. I then tried to burn using other software, but my computer still could not recognize that I had inserted blank media.

So after about a week, I decided to give it another shot today, and right after starting up the PC and inserting an audio CD (that I had burned from another computer) my drive actually recognized and played it! I was so excited that I actually attempted to burn an audio CD, and to my surprise Nero actually recognized the blank disc when I inserted it and got to work burning... But after checking the the newly burnt CD in a stand-alone DVD/CD player it turned out to be blank. Furthermore, when I tried to re-insert the audio CD that had initially played in the drive just 30-45 mins earlier my drive could no longer recognize it.

Baffled at that point, I called Gateway Tech Support, but after spending hours checking connections, we met with no success, and I am yet stumped. I am sincerely hoping that *somebody* out there has a clue and can help me out. It would most definitely be appreciated!

More specific info:

Running Windows XP SP2
Nero 6.6.1.4
DVDW TSSTcorp H552B (if I remember correctly) F/W T12(May 6, 2006)

VicenIX,
Your current Nero which is the latest Nero 6 is a very unstable so switch it back to 6.6.0.1.8. should solve your problems.

@vicenIX

Hello. T12 is the latest firmware for your burner. As Henry pointed out 6.6.1.4 is not a really good version. Downgrade to 6.6.0.18 here:

http://www.filehippo.com/download_nero_burning_rom/?539

That may or may not solve your problems. If not, repost.

I have been having the same problem getting my DVD - or + to be recognized when inserted. It is happening on two machines independently. The DVD's are from 2 different companies maxell and imation. I was burning DVD's last week and now either drive will not read the media...when inserted My Computer changes the DVD -RW to CD Drive and says there is a CD insereted with 0 of 0 bytes available. It does this on both computers. Coincidence, I think not!

Hi,
Just to add to this discussion, and hopefully give a little more insight to what may be happening! i have been compiling DVD's for a number of years and have used most tools. i currently run a Sony DRU-710A with a XP Pro desktop running 3,0Ghz processor and 1 Gb Ram. i have an external Hard drive (G: drive) for AVI, iso, storage. have had a few problems over the years and managed to solve them all with the help of gurus on the web.

i have exactly the same problem being experienced by the original poster.
i have been burning DVD-R discs quite happily for a while on my DVD burner and this week all has stopped.
i have not tried a DVD+R yet, but i will tomorrow and update the thread.
the fact is i am seeing very strange happenings. my DVD writer is constantly being seen as a CD drive until i put a movie or CD into it, then it reverts back to a DVD-RW drive, as soon as i put a DVD-R back in it changes again to a CD Drive.
TWO THINGS have changed on my PC this week:-

1. i used RegSeeker to clean any old entries from my registry (backup taken first)
2. i upgraded from Nero 6.6 to Version 7.

i have rolled back the registry, and i even rolled back Nero to no avail. i have used Nero's tools to remove all entries and even removed the drives from the PC, nothing works.

My hunch is that Nero is to blame, i also see drives (and dead people)installed for drives i do not have for example my CD burner is D: drive and my DVD burner is F: drive.
i am seeing E: drive as a DVD drive and for a while had H: drive as a CD drive....

i am going to try and flash the DVD writer, but i know this will not solve it. i have changed as many settings as possible and have used DVDINFO PRO to ascertain if the writer has 'lost' the ability to read the DVD-R format. but it says all is good.
i do not want to install any other burning software as i know it worked before.
Nero web site is as about much use as a chocolate kettle.
any things to try will be appreciated. will be back tomorrow after flashing drive and trying a DVD+R disc.
thanks

Back again....
that was quick...1am and have seemed to solve my problem...
Have flashed my DVD writer with BYX5 from BYX1 (Sony DRU-710A) and it now burns fine (burning as i write). i am still p**sed off not knowing what occurred, but i believe my initial instinct is correct in that Nero 7 was to blame, still appears as a CD drive when a DVD-R is inserted but i knew it would work when my burning speed increased threefold from 4x to 12x.
if anyone else is using Nero 7, perhaps try to flash your writer, even if it has been done, and please let me know if it works also?
any ideas are still welcome as i do not like to not know what went wrong.
good luck with your issues, and will help if i can.

KJR42, glad to hear it sounds like you've got a fix.

The Benq DW1620 that I wrote about with the disc recognition problems is giving my father in law trouble -- he is experiencing the exact symptoms that I did (and detailed in this post), even though he is using a much different setup and different media (Sonic MyDVD and Memorex DVD-R).

I believe I can conclude that the burner is breathing its last breaths, which is a little disappointing since I've only had it 1.5 years (and probably only burnt 150 DVDs). The drive is still burning CDs strong, though.

I'm gonna be checking out the drives again at Newegg - I'm having a difficult time dealing with the speed on the loaner 2X burner - , and will probably be staying away from the Benqs (which is unfortunate, since I know many users love them).

Hi Skipbell,
i am surprised that the writer seems to be at fault, the current burner i also have had for about 18 months and it has done well in excess of 250 DVD's.
have you tried another burner on your PC? people are saying about the quality of DVD's but i think the point is that these were working before and are not now. if we could find a common thread then we might get somewhere, you say it worked fine when on another PC, so this sugegsts something on your PC is stopping the recognition of DVD-R's. have all the people having trouble been using, upgraded or reinstalled Nero at any point?

Hi ,
I have posted my burning problems last week in a similar thread - "DVD Shrink Downunder" and have been receiving advice from Locoeng, unfortunately without success. (Thanks for your interest Locoeng)
While browsing through these threads I was shocked and delighted to find my EXACT same problem - DESCRIBED SO MUCH BETTER -- , but identical. ( Well not so much delighted as relieved that some one may be able to HELP me )
Since my last previous post in the other thread I have made several changes -
I replaced my Benq 1620 burner with a Sony DRU-710A.
I have tried almost every version of Nero 6 - and yes prior to the burning problems I had Nero 7 Ultra installed.
I used the Nero removal tools suggested.
I reinstalled windows.
I uninstalled and reinstalled DVD Shrink , DVD Idle Pro , Zone Alarm etc etc .
I can burn CD's - no problem .
I now have Nero 6.6.0.16 Sony Edition installed
It seems I can analyse and encode with DVD Shrink but when that has finished I have a window saying Checking Discs - Medium requested ...... Media detected in drive - unknown.
I have bought some Verbatim DVD's both + and - as was suggested previously and while I have happily burned with TDK for over a year I have just tried some Sony -- no success with either .
I nolonger get the "Write Error " that I previously had - it doesn't get that far.
Can someone help me please --skipbell are you still out there.
I can't think of any other drastic actions that I can undertake.
This really came out of the blue and I'm lost.

Hi KJR42 --
Can you tell me how you flashed your Sony DVD writer please. Maybe that will work for me too.