DVD drive not recognising DVD's

[ITgirl]

Hi

My DVD/CD RW drive is not writing to DVD's. I can write a CD and play DVD's. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance as always. I am running Windows XP SP3. The drive is a LG Super Multi DVD RW Rewritable drive. I have visited a friend today who's DVD drive is not working as well. Does anyon know of any issues with a Windows Update?

[2twiztid]

You may wish to try this solution.

Disclaimer: As stated on the above page, editing your registry does require a certain amount of caution - please follow the instructions meticulously.

-Twisted

[plodr]

What is the model? There are too many super multi dvd rws on the LG site for me to guess what you have.
I want to see if there is a newer driver.

The MS site probably isn't a good match for you because a) the optical drive is not missing from your computer and b) it does burn CDs and reads DVDs so it is partially working.

If it did not read DVDs, I would have suspected the laser was gone.

[2twiztid]

Originally Posted by plodr

What is the model? There are too many super multi dvd rws on the LG site for me to guess what you have.
I want to see if there is a newer driver.

The MS site probably isn't a good match for you because a) the optical drive is not missing from your computer and b) it does burn CDs and reads DVDs so it is partially working.

If it did not read DVDs, I would have suspected the laser was gone.

This is true, also. But in reference to the MS site - my burner had this same issue and the KB entry resolved it.

-Twisted

[ITgirl]

Hi,

The drive is an internal LG 16X Super Multi DVD/CD Rewriter. The model is GSA-4167B. I should have included this previously. Thanks for your help.

[plodr]

There is a firmware upgrade
http://www.lge.com/us/support/produc...roduct-profile

I can't find a date for the firmware nor what problems it fixes.

On the LG site, this is given for firmware updates instructions.

The firmware for all recent drives works inside of Windows. Before running the update, make sure the drive is empty. Close as many programs running the background as you can. Run the downloaded executable file to start the update. Some will automatically start updating the dive and some will require you to push “Upgrade” or “Start”. If the firmware doesn’t see the drive it was designed for, it will not install.

WARNING: Never update the firmware if the problem you’re having is the drive isn't seen by windows, won't write with the included software, or other interface related problems. Unless the firmware specifically states it fixes the problem you are having, firmware updates normally don't fix these types of problems. Trying to update the firmware when there are interface problems can damage the drive's firmware. An error when updating the firmware is usually caused by a problem with the drive interface or there is more than one drive connected to that IDE channel.

IMPORTANT: do not interfere with the drive during the firmware update. If an error occurs during the upgrade process, or the upgrade process is cancelled during this process, damage to the drive can occur. If you experience any problems or have any questions, please contact our LG PC Technical Support toll-free at 1-800-243-0000 (7-7 CST).

bold added by me.
Since your problem is the drive won't write to DVDs with the included software, upgrading the firmware is not recommended to fix this problem.

Does your friend have the same model LG as you? If so, I'd call the LG support number, tell them the problem and ask if the firmware ver. DL13 fixes this problem.

I have used this tool http://majorgeeks.com/Nero_InfoTool_d120.html
When run, it displays the drives read and write speeds but most importantly, it will display the firmware version the drive is using. This will let you know what firmware you are currently using.

[thesmokingun]

using the fix it button/image will make sure you don't accidentally remove the wrong registry entry. This has solved the same issue that you are having for me, even tho the title says, either the drive is missing, or not recognized.

[ITgirl]

Hi,

I have run the Nero Tool and the firmware installed is DL11. I ran the firmware update to D13 and am still having the same problem. I am now in the process of running the KB Fix It tool and will let you know if that works.

Many thanks..you guys are great.

[ITgirl]

I have tried the registry fix and still no joy. I've also uninstalled the driver and re-installed the newly updated drivers, no joy. Any other ideas?

[2twiztid]

Originally Posted by ITgirl

I have tried the registry fix and still no joy. I've also uninstalled the driver and re-installed the newly updated drivers, no joy. Any other ideas?

You may have to also reinstall your burning software. I also had to do this.

-Twisted

[thesmokingun]

is it possible to try using a different brand of dvds? have you been able to use the same one(s) you are using now in the past? or use different burning software?