Mysterious problems with a Sony DVD+RW DW-D56A

Discussion in 'DVDR' started by mtmagpie, Dec 7, 2005.

  1. mtmagpie

    mtmagpie Member

    Joined:
    Dec 7, 2005
    Messages:
    16
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    11
    OK, here goes...I have a Dell Dimension 4700 desktop with a Sony DVD+RW DW-D56A slimline drive. I have had the system for 5 months and have been burning like mad. I have been using DVDShrink (primarily), DVD Decrypter, AnyDVD (for Madagascar) and Nero to rip and burn. Suddenly, 2 days ago, my drive will not read the blank DVD and stops the disc spin before it can be detected. What is really interesting about this is that I have gone through halg of a 100-disc spindle with no problems (TDK media) and my drive is able to to read, rip and burn audio Cds just fine.
    Is my drive done? I know this model is a Lite On drive with a Sony label and it has had some problems, but I am out of warranty and would really like to explore other fixes before I fork out the money for a new drive. I would appreciate any advice you could give me or troubleshooting ideas.
    By the way, I have already uninstalled and reinstalled the drivers, and I have checked to make sure the Transfer Mode is set to DMA. Thanks in advance for any help!
     
    mtmagpie, Dec 7, 2005
    #1
  2. Mort81

    Mort81 Senior member

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2004
    Messages:
    4,030
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    116
    Try uninstalling the drive in device manager then reboot and let windows reinstall it. Make sure your firmware is current. I would stay away from TDK media.
     
    Mort81, Dec 7, 2005
    #2
  3. mtmagpie

    mtmagpie Member

    Joined:
    Dec 7, 2005
    Messages:
    16
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    11
    Did that, and nothing. I think the drive might be toast. I am on hold with Dell customer service right now. If I have to replace this drive, is there anything you would recommend or should I just put the same one back in?
     
    mtmagpie, Dec 7, 2005
    #3
  4. Mort81

    Mort81 Senior member

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2004
    Messages:
    4,030
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    116
    A drive I would recommend and is also very popular amongst a lot of us AD members is any one of three of these benq models: the DW1620, the DW1625, or the DW1640. For best prices and service look at newegg.com or meritline.com. I prefer my benq over my litey. No problems whatsoever.
     
    Mort81, Dec 7, 2005
    #4
  5. mtmagpie

    mtmagpie Member

    Joined:
    Dec 7, 2005
    Messages:
    16
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    11
    Thanks for the info! I went with the DW1620. After reading all of the information on the poor Sony drives, this looks like a better deal. Also, just as a side not, Dell's customer support is useless...
     
    mtmagpie, Dec 7, 2005
    #5
  6. Mort81

    Mort81 Senior member

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2004
    Messages:
    4,030
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    116
    So I've heard.

    You won't be disappointed with the benq. After you get it download qsuite from the benq website so you can bitset and use the other features of qsuite. Also make sure the f/w is current.
     
    Mort81, Dec 7, 2005
    #6
  7. mtmagpie

    mtmagpie Member

    Joined:
    Dec 7, 2005
    Messages:
    16
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    11
    Thanks again for your help...I'm sure I will be back on once the drive arrives to make sure I have it configured properly...
     
    mtmagpie, Dec 8, 2005
    #7

Share This Page