Computer doesn't recognize blank DVD
Jun 12, 2022 17:03:28 #
I'm running Windows 10 on a Dell desktop and trying to burn DVD/CD. It worked for me a while back, but now I get a message to insert a writable disk. I've tried DVD-R and CD-R and get the same message. I've tried connecting a portable external drive and get the same message. It will read and play CDs or DVDs that already have content. I've done some research and tried many of the suggestions found online with no results. I'd appreciate any advice/suggestions from anyone on the forum who's had a similar problem and solved it.
Jun 12, 2022 17:51:57 #
Have you turned off the computer, counted to ten, and turned it on again?
NOT a "restart".
(Sometimes peripherals get funny.)
NOT a "restart".
(Sometimes peripherals get funny.)
Jun 12, 2022 18:03:07 #
Jun 12, 2022 18:06:12 #
How old is it? I had to replace a DVD/CD drive once.
It kinda quit working. Wouldn't play.
(You didn't say if new Win 10 box or older box that was upgraded to Win10.)
It kinda quit working. Wouldn't play.
(You didn't say if new Win 10 box or older box that was upgraded to Win10.)
Jun 12, 2022 18:08:06 #
It's about 4 years old but hasn't had much use. Previously, I was able to burn DVDs and CDs using this setup. I'm wondering if one of the Windows updates didn't screw something up.
Jun 12, 2022 18:11:51 #
windshoppe wrote:
It's about 4 years old but hasn't had much use. Previously, I was able to burn DVDs and CDs using this setup. I'm wondering if one of the Windows updates didn't screw something up.
A possibility.....
My Win 7 desktop isn't available to my laptop if the desktop sleeps and I simply wake it up.
I have to restart the desktop to get the laptop to see it, and the desktop can no longer access the laptop. It sees it, but cannot access it. A privilege problem, but I changed nothing.
I suspect a Win 7 update changed something.......
Jun 12, 2022 18:16:44 #
bikinkawboy
Loc: north central Missouri
I had to replace the dvd drive on my windows 7 one time. Also had to replace the drive on my old dvd surround sound using one out of a computer, had to do a little tin snip work. One drive simply quit working while the other one ran itself nuts searching the disc.
Jun 12, 2022 23:14:01 #
As you probably know, there are a number of types of writable DVDs, and typically a drive will only write certain types (such as -R or +RW, etc). Any chance you now have a different type disk than what you were writing previously? Typically the types of supported disk types are shown on the drive door - does that match the type of disks you are trying to write? If that’s not the issue, see this: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/dvd-drive-wont-burn-dvds-in-windows-10/5b19d935-3db7-4a8b-ad61-d6249f9bea7f
Jun 12, 2022 23:35:15 #
13
Loc: I am only responsible to what I say..not what
Your dvd disk might be just defected. Click on the "my computer" Icon and see if the drive is recognizing it. Good luck!
Jun 13, 2022 03:12:04 #
Jun 13, 2022 05:38:29 #
chrissybabe
Loc: New Zealand
If you have presumably checked it out for faulty media then you most likely have a faulty (?) DVD drive. I would next try to see if any of the CD/DVD drive cleaning kits will help. If not replace the drive. There is probably a 95% likelihood that the problem is caused by dust in the drive optics. I also bet that your room is most likely carpeted. This is all caused by the PC power supply (most likely cause) sucking in cooling air from the front of the cabinet and dragging dust over and depositing it on the drive optics. I am on my 4th DVD drive because of this. They are a bit like inkjet printers and 4WD gearboxes - they need to be used a bit (although use may not help a lot with dust unless the movement within the drive is enough to dissipate it). I found that drive cleaning kits didn't work all that well plus new drives are not very expensive so easier to replace. I have a large mini-tower and not a proprietary case so it is no big deal. And these days. with DVD drives not popular, you may have problems in sourcing kits. If mechanically inclined a few cotton buds inside the drive might be the way to go if you have the time. I happen to have two optical drives in my case with one being a blu-ray writer that still writes br, cd and dvd. The other dvd/cd drive is the sad one (and mounted in the top of the case).
Jun 13, 2022 10:09:36 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
Some DVD types and/or brands may need to be formatted before you use them. I think the R/W ones need this step.
Jun 13, 2022 14:39:09 #
windshoppe wrote:
I'm running Windows 10 on a Dell desktop and tryin... (show quote)
Every peripheral device, including internal ones, needs a driver application to enable its function. Sometimes, operating system upgrades are incompatible or partially incompatible with existing drivers for your devices, perhaps because the device manufacturer went out of business, no longer makes that device, considers that device to be too old to support, or because the operating system vendor changed the "rules of the road."
Call your computer manufacturer and see if there is an update to the driver.
Alternatively, you may need to buy a software package for burning optical discs (CD/DVD/Blue Ray). You may even need a new drive, either because no one supports it, or because yours is old and broken.
One thing to note:
MOST people consider CDs, DVDs, and even Blue Ray discs to be obsolete now. Content providers don't want you to own a hard copy of their creations. They want you to download it as files, or stream it somehow on a subscription service. Furthermore, most of us who create our own personal content have private YouTube or Vimeo channels where we exhibit works for family and friends and business associates. I've burned about one CD/DVD per year for the past 7 years. I haven't even tried connecting my Apple SuperDrive (CD/DVD burner/player) to my 2020 MacBook Air yet! There are just too many better ways to share files these days.
Jun 13, 2022 16:41:00 #
burkphoto wrote:
Every peripheral device, including internal ones, ... (show quote)
Agree - could be a driver issue, or as another poster said, dust on the laser. I also agree there are better ways to share files, but for archiving, an MDisk is the most robust (long term) media available today - even the DOD thinks so. Available in 25, 50 and 100GB sizes.
Jun 13, 2022 18:21:51 #
TriX wrote:
Agree - could be a driver issue, or as another poster said, dust on the laser. I also agree there are better ways to share files, but for archiving, an MDisk is the most robust (long term) media available today - even the DOD thinks so. Available in 25, 50 and 100GB sizes.
Yes to MDisc. Nothing better than burning an identical trio of those and keeping them stored as directed.
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