Lately my cdr drive will not read any store bought discs of any kind (no installation discs, program discs or audio discs), but it will read burned cds and it still writes. Can anyone maybe help me out with what could be wrong and how to fix it?! I have checked for driver updates and there are none, I also tried to uninstall and then reinstall, but nothing has worked. My computer info is listed below. OS Name Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Version 5.1.2600 Service Pack 2 Build 2600 System Manufacturer Compaq Presario 05 System Model DA201A-ABA 6310US NA851 System Type X86-based PC Processor x86 Family 6 Model 6 Stepping 2 AuthenticAMD ~1532 Mhz BIOS Version/Date Phoenix Technologies, LTD AM35311, 11/28/2002 SMBIOS Version 2.3 Total Physical Memory 640.00 MB Available Physical Memory 344.49 MB Total Virtual Memory 2.00 GB Available Virtual Memory 1.96 GB Page File Space 753.77 MB Page File C:\pagefile.sys
Hey Have you tried uninstalling the CDRW and its drivers in Device Manager, rebooting and letting Windows install device and drivers? Have you added or deleted any burning programs?
Yes, I've uninstalled it and let windows reinstall. I haven't added any other burning programs lately. I thought maybe it just was shot, but it still reads burned cds and it still writes so it can't be!
Hey If the drive is working properly in the Device Manager then the problem is most likely the laser assembly. CDR/CDRW drives have a read and write laser. CD drives have only a read laser. Since your drive can write and read the cdr, I would guess that the read laser and it's detection device can detect the changes in reflectivity from the 'cloudy' and 'clear' spots on the cdr but can't detect the 'pits' and 'lands'found on normal cds. Once again this is only a GUESS but with the price of CDRWs these days, maybe a replacement is in order. I recently bought an LG 52x24x52 for $34Can.
try cleaning the lens with a cd cleaner disk. ianski7, you paid $34 for a 52x24x52 burner!!, i paid $32Can for 52x32x52 Lg
Hey Sorry, the one I picked up was 52x32x52 so go here and save a few dollars........... http://www.canadacomputers.com/cdrom.html#cdr
