The program that I utilize to make CD's normally is Roxio(Easy CD Creator 5.34 Basic). I was trying to burn some files I have in My documents to a DVD. But the computer doesnt recognize the external DVD-R as hardware for burning DVD's, it only recognizes it and lets you burn normal CD's. What's wrong? Roxio says especifically "No supported DVD-recorders were detected on your system". P.S. THe external dvd is Sony DVD RW DW-U18A
Although this may not be the case, but I used to have Roxio Easy Cd creator or whatever they call it nowadays. Well the flaws in that program and the way it acts it wouldnt surprise me if thats your problem. Mine used to have burn errors, not like the discs I put in etc. I suggest you remove that program completely and get NERO, since I switched I havent had a single complaint, with roxio it was a daily occurance to have complaints.