Burning audio disk

[Cathleen]

I'm befuddled. I have a multitude of BLANK disks so I can burn some audio CDs. I keep getting the message "Insert Blank Disk" with Windows Media Player. I tried iTunes too and got an error message (4550 maybe), I'm guessing it's not recognizing the blank disk either.

I don't get it. Can anyone help, please?

 

[Lordmikel]

When that happened to my machine it turned out my cd writer was dead and I had to purchase a new one.

 

[M's girl]

It sound like at least your computer is not recognizing that a blank disc was already inserted. But from here it's hard to tell what the problem is. Using DVD ROM in a CD ROM device does not work (happened to me once that I inserted the wrong disc in the wrong drive!); can be a problem with formatting also (are the discs formatted?). I once bought a whole batch of CD ROMs that just never worked. Bad quality I guess.

Have discs from the same stack/pile/batch worked in the same machine before?

 

[SweetErika]

Cate, if you're having trouble with more than one CD, it could be the software. WMP and itunes have copyright protections built in, which can cause problems. WMP can be buggy, anyway; we've had lots of problems, so we just never use it.

You might try downloading one of the many good, free burning programs out there, and giving it a shot with a new CD, instead of continuing with WMP and iTunes.

 

[Cathleen]

Thanks all, I appreciate the help.

Lordmikel, it makes sense that mine needs to be replaced. Might be time to get a 'physical' on my computer.

M'sGirl, I was wondering about formatting. Way back when I remember those floppy and then the hard diskette had to be formatted and now it seems that isn't an issue -- don't know. I did the same thing with the DVD disk, I didn't notice for way too long. ; )

Erika, thank you for the link I'll try a new program. I'd like to make a few disks at least.

I appreciate the help.

 

[Calvin]

I'm befuddled. I have a multitude of BLANK disks so I can burn some audio CDs. I keep getting the message "Insert Blank Disk" with Windows Media Player. I tried iTunes too and got an error message (4550 maybe), I'm guessing it's not recognizing the blank disk either.

I don't get it. Can anyone help, please?

Cathleen ~

Lordmikel is right on... it could very well be a hardware issue.... have you tried one of the blank disks in another computer to see if it is recognized?

Additionally... if you decide to get a full multi featured burning program... consider ~ Nero 7.
And depending on what you burn, consider Alcohol

.... and as an after thought, some of the better hardware manufacturer's will have diagnostics that are downloadable or even occ web based that you may be able to run to look at your drive.... if you have a good one.... but if you do have to get a new one.... Plextor makes superb drives....

 

[MagicFingers]

Cathleen ~

Lordmikel is right on... it could very well be a hardware issue.... have you tried one of the blank disks in another computer to see if it is recognized?

Additionally... if you decide to get a full multi featured burning program... consider ~ Nero 7.
And depending on what you burn, consider Alcohol

....

Alcohol sounds good. Just be sure you take it outside to light it. And this should be a last resort. After burning with alcohol, you won't have much left of your system.

OK, Kidding, lol
You could try cleaning the light thingy with alcohol and a Q-Tip too, if you can reach it.

Cate, try playing some CD's or DVD's in that drive and be sure they work.
If it won't read, it won't write either.
Is it a DVD/CDRW? DVD-RW? CDRW? Make sure the media is right for the drive you have. If it is a DVD only recorder, it may not burn CD's and not accidently turned upside down. (I have to ask this)
Are you copting another CD, or burning from tracks (i.e.IPOD tracks will not burn directly.)

If you have a CD cleaner, try that. If not, buy one. You can get one at the local $0.99 store here. Dirt is the biggest cause of these things not working.

Good luck.

 

[Calvin]

If it won't read, it won't write either.

actually.... not always true... some drives have more than one laser....

additionaly, I have had drives that have had an internal hardware problem and would not burn but would read just fine....

 

[MagicFingers]

I didn't say that

actually.... not always true... some drives have more than one laser....

additionaly, I have had drives that have had an internal hardware problem and would not burn but would read just fine....

I didn't say that if it won't burn, it won't read!
I said that if won't read, it probably won't burn.
That doesn't mean that it WILL burn if it WILL read. It could still not burn, of course.

And you should check My Computer, or hardware devices to see if it is listed there correctly, with no errors, etc.

 

[Cathleen]

Thanks Calvin and MF.

I did put a music CD in and it played fine. I have had trouble with a few DVDs that wouldn't play and of course I ignored it. Yes, MF, I didn't put it in upside down - no harm, no foul for asking, as I checked myself to make sure.

I'll go with the 'try cleaning it route' at the moment to see if that helps and if needed go onto the next stage.

I really appreciate your help everyone.

 

[Calvin]

I didn't say that if it won't burn, it won't read!
I said that if won't read, it probably won't burn.
That doesn't mean that it WILL burn if it WILL read. It could still not burn, of course.

point well taken.... guess that is what I get for posting when I was half asleep after a long day.... lol

but there is no doubt that I have had many drives that have developed so many strange issues.... and many that I have corrected with firmware updates.
It has been my experience that many people never think about updating their CD-ROM firmware. Pretty simple to do if you by a good drive to start with. However, I can truly say I have had way less problems with all of the Plextor drives I have owned whether they be EIDE, SCSI, or SATA drives.

 

[SubNebGuy]

Here's the likely issue: you have a newer burner than Windows XP used to be able to detect. And if XP doesn't detect it right the VERY first time, the built in XP burning software will never work for you. I have the same issue on my machine...if you didn't have XP service pack 2 installed when you put this drive in the machine, you'll need a 3rd party app to burn.

Go download a free burning app called DeepBurner (its safe to use). if it can burn ok, then its just XP being lame.

if it cannot burn, go under the device properties and make sure you have a Recording tab, adn that burning is enabled (its a checkbox).

Barring those fixing it, you probably need to replace the burner.

 

[Cathleen]

Thanks, SNG and everyone. It is time for a new driver. I learned lots and that's much appreciated.