Problem with DVD burner

I have a Gateway GR-500 with a Double layer 8X DVD+/-RW drive that should according to Gateway

Write speed
DVD-R: 2x, 4x CLV, 8x ZCLV
DVD-RW: 1x, 2x, 4x CLV
DVD-RAM: 2x, 3x ZCLV, 3x-5x PCAV (Ver.2.1)
DVD+R: SL - 2.4x, 4x CLV, 8x, 12x ZCLV
DL - 2.4x CLV
DVD+RW: 2.4x, 4x CLV
CD-R: 4x, 8x, 16x CLV, 24x, 32x, 40x ZCLV
CD-RW: 4x, 8x, 10x, 16x CLV, 24x ZCLV

Originally I was able to burn at 8x. That was about 500 DVD's ago.
Now I burn at 4x as a max speed.
This problem has been plaquing me for several months.
I am using Nero SmartStart for burning.

At first I thought it was the media but after many different brands I do not think that is the issue.

I even got so frustrated that I did a destructive reformat.
And still the problem exists.

On the DVD-R line above what does 8x ZCLV mean?
Any idea's as to why I can no longer burn at 8x?

 

what brand of media were you burning with that let you burn at 8x speed?

you might need a firmware update?

 

i would suggest investing in a new burner if funds allow?really cheap now for a good sony burner!!!

 

Media - TDK, Fuji, Nextech and Sony.
I have eliminated Memorex as a reliable brand.
Sales are not always the best way to go.

It's funny how when technology moved to 16x DVD-R's my problems began. I found some 8x DVD-R's and still had the same problem.
So that eliminates the "because it is 16x media" issue.

As far as firmware updates go NEC suggests not using the firmware update if it is a Gateway and a couple of other major computer companies.

A call into Gateway tells me that it is actually an
NEC ND-2510A, even though my device manager tells me it is something else.

I tried a firmware update from NEC and I received the message "Target NEC ND-2510 is not found correctly"

I am about this close to buying a new burner.
I'm still curious why I am limited to 4x burns.

 

it could be the firmware, or it could be the media,
have you tried verbatims,
although if there isn't any new firmware to support the 16x media that is the manufacturer telling you to upgrade your burner.

most of the burners that the brand name companys use are rebaged drives

if you do list your burner's model number and firmware an AD member should be able to help with the firmware if there is any

BTW, good burners are extremely cheap now too, you can get a good one online for about $30.

 

I will try Verbatim. It certainly couldn't hurt.

I am looking at buying a Lite-On Super-Multi LH120A1H if I cannot get this issue resolved. I'm just not sure I am sold on Light Scribe technology.

 

Are there any settings in BIOS or the Nero program I should be looking at to correct the problem?

Also what is an "AD Member", Afterdawn?

 

300bowler
would changing to a +r help at all?
just a thought befor my hacked firmware flash my nec did not support -r

 

In trying to keep everything in perspective most of
DVD players are -R.
Only 2 are + and -

That is why I am adament on sticking to DVD-R.

 

i was under the impression that dvd rom played in all player and some older ones are picky. newer one play all i belive
i not sure about dvd player liking -r.
when i burn i think the final out come is a dvd+r i dont book type to dvdrom

 

When I speak of DVD players above I am speaking of home stereo equipment ... not at all related to the original issue of my computer's DVD burner.

We are going off on a tangent.
Can we stick to DVD-R and why I may not be able to achieve maximum burn speed with my NEC ND-2510A that Gateway calls something else?
Thanks.

Is it Nero?
Is it something in the BIOS?
Is it something else?
Firmware update tells me where I can go.

 

virtual4
the only thing i can tell you is firmware and or media. needs to be checked as 300bowler stated.
in nero if your unable to select the x burn you want then it can not id the disc most likely
other than that i can not help.

 

born2ride,
why not booktype them +R's?


@ Virtual4, Lite-On Super-Multi LH120A1H
i actually just bought that burner, and am very pleased with it right now, especially the bitsetting/booktype part of it,
i have a high end dvd recorder/player that doesn't play the +R format, so i booktyped my +R disk and it plays great in that dvd player, pretty cool.


BTW, firmware is needed for the burner to have write stratagies for the newer media that comes out, thus that is why drive manufactures release firmware updates,
like i said earlier if you cant find any updates thats their(manufactures) way of telling you to get a new burner.

you can also use the Nero InfoTool, then post your screenshot and we can try and find a firmware update for you

 

300bowler
thats where i was headed to booktype them.
its seem Virtual4 is set on using -r
i am also under the impression my nec 1300a did not allow booktyping
but this still does not help him on why he can not burn past 4x.
tying different media is what i was thinking use a 16x+r see if it was unidentified

 

i thought you were talking about yourself, my fault, and yeah that would be a good reason why not to booktype, because your burner cant. LOL

 

I don't understand the concept of booktyping.
Actually this is the first time I have ever heard of it.
Is it like dummying out your DVD and making think it is another type of format? (ie. take a + and make it think it is -).

In a nutshell NEC has a firmware update for the drive but because it is has somehow been changed by Gateway (and they don't have a firmware update) I am SOL. Growl, hiss, moan.

I hope there is a way to somehow force NEC's firmware update into my Gateway.

I will see what I get from Nero Info tool and keeping fingers crossed that there is a firmware update out there that will work.

Thanks for all your help.

 

Virtual4
you could try cdfreaks.com i think they are in to flashing drives
dont hold me to it i might be wrong

 

Actually I have a forum with the same exact question going in CD Freaks.

I think since my burner use to work at 8x that a firmware update is unneccesary. I hope and pray I will find the issue to be PIO vs. DMA

I will repost if that is indeed the case.

 

Okay. I was stuck in PIO mode and changed the drive to DMA mode.
So that is up and running and is showing 8x.

Now I face a Nero Smart Start issue. (ie. Nero Express.)
When I go to burn the [BURN] button is grayed out.

 

Do you have a blank dvd in the drive?