Storage

Ask something
Discussion Locked

DVD drive thinks it a CD

0 helpful
21 replies

by agodave

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.

I've seen some talk on this subject but I would like to take this topic a bit further. I have two computers where the same problem started and I think it has to do with XP files or Registry and not the hardware.

System One - (XP SP2, 1 DVD-rom and 1 DVD-RW) Worked fine one day and the next when I insert a dvd the os changes the drive from dvd-rw to cd-drive. Now I can't read or burn any dvd's. I'm still working on this one. My burn software tells me I inserted a CD and not a DVD.

System 2 - (XP SP2, 2 DVD-RW drives) Again this system worked fine until one day both drives switched from DVD-RW to CD when I inserted a DVD drive. Tried MANY things but the problem did not go away. As with XP it was time to rebuild the system anyway so I reformated C and reloaded XP. Guess what the drives now work but still switch to CD when I insert the DVD. ??? My burn software here tells me it ok to burn a dvd and will do it.

I'm betting that this issue is deep inside the registry or bad driver file within the OS. I do not beleive it has anything to do with dirt ( I agree with some comments that dirt effects DVD before CDs ).

By the way I never cleaned or touched the two dvd drives in the system.

Ideas anyone? I would have to reformat system one since I just did system 2.

21 replies

by tig2

Dell D600, XP Pro. No way to predict when it will do it. Seems to really resent having a DVD in the drive.

Oddly, I am not seeing the same problem with XP Media Edition. Or at least, not yet...

Haven't found a fix either but am watching with interest.

by maecuff

Because I am COMPLETELY immature, I feel the need to point out that the title of your post is very funny. And I am very sorry that you are having problems with your old box. :)

by tig2

I have used the word "box" to refer to a computer for so many years now that I completely did not see that at all. Dear heaven, what if JD sees it? I am SO toast now!

Perhaps this is God's little way of teaching me humility?

I think it is time for me to go do something else until this whole thread vanishes...

by maecuff

Just wait for an opportunity to get even. :) I promise you, it won't take long. I can't go very long without sticking my foot in my mouth.

by w2ktechman

that I purchased pre-built, I had the issue for a while. It is a dvd +/- RW DL lightscribe.
When it installed during the setup, it was found as said writer. Upon first using it, it changed to a cd drive and Roxio could not copy a cd or dvd, let alone use the lightscribe.
So, I couldnt let it go at all. AND Yes, the problem occurs in media center as well.
To fix it I blew away the drive and Roxio SW. Then I re-installed them. Works fine. P.S. Sonic/Roxio Digital Media sucks, if you want to use Roxio, use EZ CD/DVD Creator 6. Otherwise, try a different solution (like Nero).

by sumosource

My DVD Drive thinks it's a CD Drive. I am using Windows 2000 but I don't think that matters.

How can I get my DVD ROM to recognize DVDs? I did install Nero software too, but it (also) will only recognize the drive as a CD, not DVD...

by manumoka

I also suspect it's an Adobe-Roxio conflict. But I've uninstalled Roxio and Nero, and tweaked my registry as described, and still "not recognized." So I reinstalled Nero, and still "not recognized."

It seems like I'm running out of options.

by mbsjshad

I have come back to this site to see if anything has changed with this? I now have formated my entire system and problem still occurs. Has anyone figured anything out? I thought maybe it was my older motherboard that could not handle the DVD drive but after searching the internet I am finding this problem is occurring with quite a few people. I also have Windows XP an AMD 1600+ 120 GB HD. Could it be the memory, this is the only thing that I have not tried. Its the older pc 133 memory. When I put the dvd in it reads (from properties) 0 bytes used 0 bytes free and type is cd drive and file RAW. Eject CD and it goes back to DVD-RW Drive.

by mbsjshad

Just got off the phone with memorex regarding my DVD burner. They want me to send mine back. They say that it is a defective drive. Back in February they had me changing all sorts of drivers including Microsoft drivers. They were very nice in allowing me to send it back without a receipt. They do not want to troubleshoot saying it is positively a defective drive. Now I am wondering if all these problems are caused by a defective part within these different DVD burners possibly manufactured by the same company. Maybe they know something now and do not want to say. I'll keep you posted.

by argus733

I DON'T KNOW IF YOUR STILL READING THESE, BUT I FOUND YOUR POST WHILE RESEARCHING MY PROBLEM.
SAME PROBLEM. SAME HARDWARE. DIDN'T REALIZE THE COINCIDENCE UNTIL TILL I READ YOUR "UPDATE"
I SOLVED MY PROBLEM THE FIRST TIME BY REMOVING THE DRIVE AND REINSTALLING THE O.S. I JUST PUT THE OLD DRIVE BACK IN AND IT LASTED 24 HRS.
WHAT HAPPENED WITH MEMOREX?
ALSO, DID IT ALTER ANY OTHER DRIVES? DIFFERENT BRANDS?

by joel.godin

I'm having the same problem with a Lite-On DVD burner. I changed from CD to DVD. Comp. recognizes Lite-On for what it is, but will not write to a DVD. Thinks its' a CD.

by argus733

TRY CONTACTING THE MANUFACTURER. MEMOREX DEFINITELY HAVE ISSUES THEY WANT TO CLEAN UP.
AND MY LITE ON HOME RECORDER ONLY LASTED 2 MONTHS BEFORE HAVING READING PROBLEMS. THEY USE A FLOATING CENTER TO ALIGN THE DISC FOR READING.

by mbsjshad

NEW DRIVE - SAME PROBLEM - I see this problem occurring more and more on the net. Most people are just answering to people as though they have a normal computer problem which this is not. It is not your normal windows problem! Has anyone found out what this might be?

by argus733

I've built a new machine since then. The old memorex DVD is still working for now, [reboot and reinstall nero just like you did] in my old machine. when it happens again, [and it will] I'll just get a new dvd and keep writing bad rep on memorex. 'They' are interested enough that they insist on talking one on one to anyone with this complaint. I've just gotten tired of being lied to and run through their maze of options before being forced to send you the same product right off the shelf. [untested]
Personally, I think we should form a group that writes bad reviews together against these manufacturers to make them more inclined to fix their problems.
10 reviews = an itch
20 - 30 = a rash
you get the idea.

by junk83501

Hello All:
Had this problem awhile back. The main issue with these problems is the way windows handles the install of CD/DVD writing programs. As usually windows lies down and says "DO TO ME WHAT YOU WANT" Then it does not track the changes. When I had the problem before it was roxio the caused the problem and they had a nice tool that reset the filters back to factory. Of course I cannot find it. If and when I do I will post the link for it.
ICON58

by kieseyhow

Ok, this is a new one for me. I have read all posts everywhere and many make no sense and some do make sense, but I have just had SIX drives disappear at once! Four are virtual ones. I checked the hardware, in case a bad drive board was the culprit, and nope, all good. The two drives are both SATA DVD drives in case you're wondering. Now, that last thing I did that involved adding or removing software, was install the latest version of iTunes 8 ... I have seen other posts linking this to iTunes, but many that do not mention it. There is no way Six drives can disappear at once on a HP Workstation, and it be anything other than software or OS related. I did the registry edits suggested by Microsoft. Adding to this annoyance, was that having that much hardware suddenly change, now my XP claims it must be reactivated as well."grrrrr"

I have kept this post very un-technical because it is mainly a rant .. LOL

This discussion is closed to new replies.