CD-R Not working

Again.
Last time it was a Code 39 problem, and you all helped me fix it. This time, (which I did mention in another thread about another problem) it reads discs with information on them, but when I try to burn information onto a blank cd, it either asks me to insert a blank disc into drive, or it says the drive is busy and to wait. This is the second cd-r drive this computer has had, and the only problem I've ever had with this computer is with the cd-r drive. What could be causing it to keep going bad, and what can I do to fix this problem? I have a Dell Dimension 4500 (2002) and the cd-r drive is a HL-DT-ST CD-RW GCE-8400B. Thanks!

 

Is it hopeless, or is there something I can do?

 

Try another brand of media.

Sometimes the coating isn't reflective enough for the drives laser.

If not, try cleaning the lens. You can buy lens cleaning kits from retailers.