Ok, this may sound weird, but i try to explain my problem...

Ok, burning dvds or cds was always a bit tricky on my computer. I don't know why, but when i tried to burn a dvd+/-r it always ended in failure. but when i burned a dvd+/-rw before i was able to burn normal dvds and cds. i never knew why i needed this trick but it worked fine, so i had no problems with that.

But now my burner doesn't recognize dvd-rws anymore and that's a big problem!! it recognizes all blank dvd-r i have, but when i try to burn to them they fail. so i need to recognize my dvd-rws!!

Any ideas???


My System:
Linux: 2.6.30-1-amd64
Distribution: Debian
Device: LG GSA-H54N
K3b Version 1.0.5
KDE Version 4.2.4




(And sorry for my english- I'm german!)

Ok, if you mean that the disk verification in K3b failed, it is a known issue with all the post .23 kernels. K3b is supposed to deal with this issue.

No it's not about disk verification..

If i put any dvd-rw in the drive, the computer doesn't even recognize that there is a disk in the drive!!

Does no one have any ideas about that?

I have made this suggestion before, and it isn't for everyone, but it does work in the right circumstance:

If you are finding that the operation or performance of your optical drive is degrading/changing with time, try cleaning the lens with denatured alcohol or other appropriate lens cleaner. This generally applies to older units that have seen their fair share of usage over the years, and probably involves removing the drive and opening the unit's housing with a small screwdriver (not difficult) to get easy access to the lens. Obviously, in the case of a brand new drive, this should not be needed, and also will void the warranty if you're worried about that.

Also, if it is an older drive, and you are using newer media, it's remotely possible that a firmware upgrade of the BIOS in the drive will fix the problem. Again, this might void any warranty, and if done badly, could make your drive into a book-end.

Sasha

The warranty is already expired....

I've never done a firmware update under linux.. is it very complicated?? If not, i would like to try this first before opening the device...

Last time I upgraded the firmware on one of my drives, no, it was not very complicated at all.

That said, I cannot at the moment remember exactly how I did it but IIRC, it was a 'standard procedure'.

If you cannot locate further info on the subject, I'll have a look around.

Sasha

Hi,

Sometimes the problem can be that the media is not matched to the device. Some manufactures still have problems with certain media configuration specifications. If you have an older drive then the firmware may clear the problem but I wouldn't look forward to that being the solution.

What type of media and who is the manufacture? If you are attempting to use the cheapest or whatever is available then you should expect problems. I've found the best matched media for the best price will alleviate problems.

hmm but i did not change the dvd-rws... I'm trying to use the same dvd-rw i always used.. i tried it with the old ones i've already written on a lot of times, and with some new ones, but from the same box!!

Hi,

If that is so then you may have a compliance error due to hardware wear. The device will likely need to be replaced. No firmware upgrade will effect hardware compliance due to wear.

I would still try an clean the lens. Just be sure to use a non abrasive whetted wipe with denatured alcohol. While the drive is open you should clean the rails and the rest of the drive.

A lot of DVD drives have problems with the DVD burning lense going out, mine is doing the same thing... I can read DVDs but not burn them (maybe, i have had issues reading dvds lately too but since i rarely use them i don't remember), though I can read/burn cds... it's a known issue with older dvd burning hardware and the only way to address it is to replace the drive.

Hi,

How does a Lens go out? A lens is a passive device for the integrated laser & photodetector. The same device is used for read and write (burn). The intensity, bandwidth and frequency are changed to burn the layer. The laser portion utilizes a driver circuit to provide the necessary beam for the function of read or write. The optics for the system is very dependent on alignments. If the rail system is worn over time along with use then that would be a potential problem (compliance).

Of course if the lens has contaminants covering the surface then the write along with the read will be effected. You can clean the lens with a dust free wipe and some denatured alcohol. I would first use some dust off to clear the drive then clean the lens. If the rails are worn then the only solution is to replace the drive.

I get a lot of drives that are marked bad. All that was needed was to clean the system and lens.

Ok my bad, replace lense with laser, since dvd drives use two different lasers for dvd/cd

Hi,
No, there is one laser within a single lens mount. Lens replacement is impossible. You would replace the assembly. Too costly of a service. You would be better off just replacing the whole drive if the laser did fail.