Re: DVD writer won't recognise discs

James Luff wrote:
James Luff wrote:
I'm having an issue with my DVD writer, I've used Verbatim DVD-Rs in the past without any problem. I recently got hold of a batch of Titanium DVD-Rs slightly cheaper due to being purchased in bulk. The problem is that my DVD writer doesn't recognise them as writeable media.

I've just gone and purchased another load of Verbatim discs that worked fine before so I can do a backup and now the drive doesn't recognise those either! They both work fine in my DVD / VHS recorder so why not the PC? I've tried a lens cleaner and that hasn't made any difference, the drive still reads normal discs anyway. In fact it will recognise and record to CD-Rs as well!

I've tired using "Instant CD+DVD" and also "Nero 6" both with the same results of no valid media error. What can the problem be? I want to transfer all my files onto DVD so I can port them to my new PC (when it's working, see other thread). I don't fancy doing it via CD-R that's going to take loads more time!

I'm not having much luck lately!


Oh yeah, and the drive is a Sony DVD RW DW-D22A if that helps or makes any difference...


Thought I'd just have my own little thread where I talk to myself.... anyway, I thought I probably should have done a Google search before posting my question. So after chastising myself for being so lazy I went on a mission.

I found the answer too, which I was quite chuffed about. Thought I'd share it here in case anyone else has a similar problem. Apparently the Sony DVD RW DW-D22A is a re-badged LiteOn model. It is known to have issues with identifying DVD-Rs and some DVD+Rs. The solution is to update the firmware, but with a slightly different drive model. The firmware version to use is here:

*BYX5 - patched - crossflashing, multi-colored LED*

<http://codeguys.rpc1.org/firmwares.html>

My drive is now listed as a SONY DVD RW DRU-710A BYX5 in device manager and it recognises all the discs I throw at it. In fact, it even has a Red LED when it burns now when it always used to be Green. Another bonus is it will now record at 8x with the new firmware when it was only 4x previously. So all round a huge success!

As always, if you do this yourself it's at your own risk.. if you *** it up you could toast your drive as is always the chance you take when flashing firmware.

--
regards, James Luff Gamertag: Lufferov
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