I recently bought two drives, a Liteon 20X DVD Writer (Super All Writer) and a Memorex 18X Multi Format DVD Recorder for the grandkids and their Dell computers which both have Window XP Pro, 2 GB memory. They both burn CDs & CD-Rs with no problems. They also do well with regular DVD's HOWEVER neither will burn a DVD-RW in + or - format. An error comes up about proper media or scratched disc about 15 - 30% level of format ( the discs work ok in my computer, even when rejected by their computers, and show the discs as blank unformated. It doesn't matter if I use Sony, Fuji, Memorex or JVC brands, even "cheapies", it will not work. NERO says it should, but it doesn't. I don't really want to buy a full version of Nero or Easy CD creator (suggested) if the durn drives won't cut the mustard. Any help most appreciated. Mike
I've used Dell computers for many years at work and home with no hardware/software issues. I have had more trouble with IBM and Sony than I ever had with the Dell brand. The drives do the same thing in my Sony. I think the problem is in the software that came with the drives, that's what I'm trying to find out if any other users have had that problem using the same drives with the bundled SW.
Actually, is the "cheapies" that will give you heartburn instead of a good DVD burn. I would try some Verbatim discs. Those discs that you mention, are not worth much, bad quality and high incompatibility. Is the firmware up to date on those 2 burners? Were those brand new DVDs, or formated before in a different burner? Fuji(unless made in Japan), JVC, Memorex- not good.
Firmware up to date with both drives as is all codecs. I have not had any problems using the brands I mentioned in my own computer. I don't buy any FUJI discs unles they are TY from Japan. The disc were/are new and after trying them on the kids drives, they work fine in mine, also in my stand alone burner. I may resort to getting rid of the software that came with the drives and going with a full version of NERO 7 which I have on mine, just get fed up with the crap you go thru to uninstall one version of Nero and have to use their eraser program to get completely rid of a prior version.
I would recommend you get rid of essentials as it doesn't include Nero Burning ROM so it's ESSENTIALLY useless Download the full Nero 7 or 8 Premium Suite. I recommend 7, 8 is still treading new waters, a lot of users report bugs, glitches and errors unheard of in Nero 7. Second, DOUBLE-CHECK your firmware is up to date. I Hate to sound like Constable Safety here... but if your drives support DVD+/-RW then the only reason they will not recognize them is because they are the latest revisions and your drive has not been updated to read them. Lastly, as a precautionary measure make sure DMA is enabled: http://my.afterdawn.com/alkohol/blog_entry.cfm/231/dmaissues
