CD Rom drive not recognizing new disks

The CD ROM is not recognizing that there is a disk inserted. If it doesn't ''see'' the disk, you can't use it. BTW the CD ROM is also described as a HL DT CD RW GCE 8240B.

Why would you try to read a blank CDR or CDRW?

Bob

As my first post said, I am trying to copy files. When I put the disk in, the cd rom does not recognize the disk is in the drive.

It's not automatic for most machines.

Here's a free application that could record to CDR or CDRW if the drive is functional still. At 3 years, it could have failed. Not unheard of and fortunately will be cheap to replace.

Try this FREE software -> http://www.cdburnerxp.se/

Bob

CDRW drives don't last forever. Your 8240 rang a bell so I checked the closet and I have this pair of GCE 8432's that are from mid-2000.

You could have a failed drive. But so far your posts have revealed nothing wrong. Blank media can't be "read".

Hm, it is the original drive. Probaby 2-3 years old.

I may not be using the correct terminology, but, please explain how there is not a problem. I am trying to copy files onto a new disk. When I click on the files waiting to be copied, I get the error messages that there is no disk in the drive. How is everything ok? LOL

I am doing this whole backup/copy using what was on the computer, no other installed software. Oh, it has worked in the past--I back up quarterly--just hasn't worked for a while.

So, I open a file I want to backup. On the left side under tasks, I hit copy to Cd. I click on the balloon that pops up--you have files waiting to be written to CD. I then click on Write these files to CD. I name the disk. I get a message about creating a HighMat disk and converting files--sometimes I click yes, sometimes no--it doesn't matter. When I get to the next screen I either get the disk may be unusable screen or the put a disk in the drive screen.

I wish that was in your first post so everyone could tell what you were using.

The native XP CD recording feature is failure prone. But the replacement software I noted will do if the hardware is in working order.

Here's an article about XP's native recording so you can see if you can find out why it failed. One of the nutty things about XP's native recording is the lack of tools to troubleshoot it and no repeated issues other than "it stopped working."

-> http://aumha.org/win5/a/xpcd.php

Bob

Thank you...I will check there to see if I can fix whatever is wrong. It is probably very obvious, but, I am not a computer whiz (doh!) but one who expects this thing to work when I need it and short of that--at least after I have rebooted. LOL
Jackie

Thanks to everybody for their input. Following the article Bob posted, which led to some Windows downloads, and some poking around my system, I am now up and running. Thanks again!
Jackie

I need you to help me fix a problem I'm having....

hmmmmmmmmm...

My hats off to you for sticking to it and diving in.

Bob