Unless the drive was faulty, the one you threw away will be the same as any new drive you purchase.. You'll need burning software to burn data to the CD or DVD disc PLUS you'll need DVD viewing software to be able to view DVD movies with it.. Did you ever obtain such software before tossing the previous unit?
Simple, free software for burning is available at the link below:
http://cdburnerxp.se/en/home
To VIEW DVD movies on disc, you'll need something else, like Intervideo WinDVD or Cyberlink's PowerDVD. (These two cost money but are frequently available in the package with DVD drives.) Some are able to use the free VLC Player but there are quite a few available..
I'll suggest checking for the software, read the box for items included, before you purchase something new which doesn't work either.
Hope this helps.
Grif
I am using WindowsXP Operating System, with a usb 2.0 port
in a desk-top computer.
I was, recently, "burned" by a Samsung SE-S084 DVD drive, which I tried to use, with my home computer.
It took me four months to realize that the drive came withOUT any software, for my computer to recognize the drive as DVD not just CD.
I have thrown the drive in the trash, and, now, I need an operational drive.
Based upon the information provided, here, I would ask for recommendations, for what C -Net users would recommend formy next drive purchase.
I would prefer a drive, which would allow me to download ANY type, of computer file to my dvd burner. I dont want a drive which my computer insists is "not accessable". Or "Im-proper function".
I want a drive where, when I download, to my computer, all my machine should tell me is if a disc has enough storage space.
I would prefer an EXTERNAL "plug-and-play" unit (WITH the accompanying software, and drivers, to let the drive operate as both a DVD, and a CD burner).
Would it be practical for me to suggest wanting to pay under $100.00 for this drive? Hopefully, it would cost under $200.00
What advice/information, based upon what I have presented, here, would other users have, for which dvd-burner WITH software/drivers included, would others recommend that I try, next time I buy an external DVD burner?

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