Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

My Inspiron 1501 won't read blank dvd+r

Oct 17, 2009 5:54AM PDT

It will only recognize dvd+r if there is a movie already on it. I know it can read the brand dvd+r i have(office depot) because the one with the movie and the blank one were the same brand. Someone...anyone... please help before i set my laptop ablaze!!

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Hi, D-Mack
Oct 17, 2009 11:10AM PDT

When you say "recognize DVD+R", keep in mind that XP cannot write to blank DVD media. The only way to recognize a blank DVD is using a program designed to write to DVDs.

One way to check if your drive is reading the disc is by using a program called DVD Identifier. If that program reads the media code, then the drive is doing what it's supposed to.

It would also be helpful if you posted the model of your DVD drive, which can be found in device manager.

- Collapse -
Thanks Osprey4
Oct 19, 2009 2:54AM PDT

Unfortunately I learned thanks to DVD Identifier that my drive isn't a dvd burner. It is problem, but one i think i can get around. I do however need some cds with alot of memory on them( >700 mb).

- Collapse -
Hi, D-Mack:
Oct 20, 2009 9:15AM PDT