Anyone know why a DVD/CD-ROM would suddenly stop recognizing CD-R and CD-RW discs?
It was working fine and could burn and read to them but now it doesn’t.
It can read music CDs and Game/Software CDs and DVD movies but it can’t even recognize CDs that it wrote on before. I’ve tried several different brands of CD-R.
I’ve uninstalled and reinstalled the drivers, did a system restore etc but no joy.
Device Manager says the device is working properly.
Any ideas?
Some drives have firmware upgrades you can download and upload to the drive.
It’s worth checking the home page of the drive’s maker (if they have one) to see if an updated firmware is available.
It may not fix the problem, but it’s the only think I can think of that seems like it might have a chance.
–James
I have gone through a lot of CD players and DVD players. From what I’ve read, its a common problem with the cheap readers being used. Trouble is, the replacement part costs more than a new player, so its really not worth trying to fix it. Just get a new one.
djm
Yeah, the rewriteable disks require a different type of laser beam.
It sounds like that particular laser LED in your drive has gone bad.
djm’s right, you’re better off buying a new drive. They’re < $40 now.
I like external drives. Less mucking about with screwdrivers and cables.
I love mucking about with screwdrivers and cables.
Especially if it saves me $80. But, that’s just me.
Yes, it certainly is. 
djm
I rejoice in mucking about with screwdrivers and cables because I am confident and unafraid.
You are a lamb of the world. Bleat proudly!
When mucking about with screwdrivers and cables is what you do for 12 hours a day it becomes less fun a thing to do at home. (speaking only for myself of course.)
Touché.
Please! That’s like saying you have to mind your manners at work, so you forego them at home.
We know that’s not true. <tsk!>
I live alone.
Golly, how did you know? 
djm