DVD drive doesn't recognize blank DVD disc

by meljack45 Feb 25, 2010 1:16AM PST

I have a Dell Dimension 4700 w/XP. I bought some Memorex DVD-RW discs to make DVDs, but when I put a blank DVD in the drive the system/computer doesn't even recognize that it's there.

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Two things

by Jimmy Greystone Feb 25, 2010 1:42AM PST

Two things

1: Optical drives, and especially burners, fail pretty often

2: For a while Dell would ship systems with DVD+R only drives. So, if you have DVD-R (note the - instead of +) media, it won't work in a +R only drive.

First thing I'd do is check whether you have a +R only drive, and if it's a +/-R drive, then it's probably failing and needs to be replaced.

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DVD Drive doesn't recognize blank DVD

by meljack45 Feb 25, 2010 2:58AM PST

OK, thanks. The thing plays DVDs ok. I've looked everywhere I can think of but can't find if as you recommended "first thing I'd do is check whether you have a +R only drive, and if it's a +/-R drive..." I had an Imation DVD+RW laying around so I stuck that in the drive and it was recognized (the ones not recognized is Memorex) though I'm not sure how the manufacturer of the disc should make any diff.

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I have this same problem

by catkenobi-208815654951464 Apr 16, 2010 3:44AM PDT

I just did what you said and checked the writing on my disc. it is a DVD-R. Now what am I supposed to do with 50 of these?

Thanks.
C

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Re: DVD-R

by Kees Bakker Apr 16, 2010 4:48AM PDT

If you're sure that your drive only recognizes +, and not - than you can't use -. That's simple.

Then your choices are:
- sell them
- give them away
- destroy them
- buy another burner that can use them

Kees

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What ever you do, don't put them in DVD+R only drives.

by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Apr 16, 2010 4:57AM PDT

Early models would fry the laser if the wrong media was inserted. It was not funny that you would warn folk about that but they would try and fry drives anyway.

Almost like putting diesel fuel in your average US Ford truck.
Bob

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You keep them for your next burner...

by ahtoi Apr 16, 2010 5:12AM PDT

that can burn everything...or give it to your friend (they might be able to use them).

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Not recognizing blank media

by Joemelch Nov 15, 2012 1:23AM PST

Running Windows 7 Pro. This problem did NOT occur before I installed these MS updates (KB2729452) (K82760413) (K82737019)(K82729449) (K82719033) (KB890830) (K82687311) (KB2596660) (KB259684 (K82687307)(K8272752 (K82761451)(K82761226) (K82687404) yesterday. Two things happened. 1) I get the error "Windows can't read the disc in drive X:" on all my DVD/CD drives in Windows Explorer. 2) The autoplay window that used to come up asking what I want to do (burn audio cd, copy files to disc, etc.) no longer comes up. I can copy files to the disc using Roxio and I can create an audio cd using roxio..

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That's right.

by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator Nov 15, 2012 1:41AM PST

Autoplay is now disabled. You'll have to research how to turn it on (I won't tell how because it's off due to security risks) or learn how to start your burning app.
Bob

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I cured my problem

by Joemelch Nov 15, 2012 1:47AM PST

The autoplay part clued me in. I went to windows help and typed in autoplay. Went to change autoplay settings and changed the blank cd and dvd settingd from grayed out to ask me every time. and the options came back and when I click on the drive with the blank cd/dvd in windows explorer it asks if I want to use the drive as a cd/dvd drive or like a usb flash drive. One of the fixes above changed the defaults.

DVD drive doesn't recognize blank DVD disc

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