DVD+r install issue

I have installed a burner before and the last 3 worked flawless. I am now adding a secondary drive because I believe the earlier one is starting to fail. However, Tried to cable select both drives, then master/slave them both ways, and finally with the new drive alone on the cable. With all configurations widows sees the drive, I can burn with it , but it cannot read anything. This problem i thought was a vendor problem , but has now occured with 3 different made drives. Anyone got any Ideas ?