Can't format a new DVD

[aic]

Liteon gave me a DVD and in my computer, file, there is no option to format.

When I put the DVD in (tried 2 different ones) the my computer icon changes from DVD+RW to "CD Drive".

I did not load any software that came with the DVD, is that the problem?

The device is working properly in device manager.

Please advise.

 

[MustISO]

Which type of disc is it? You shouldn't have to format any of them except *maybe* -RW or +RW. I've only ever used +R and -R.
Which OS are you running?

 

[aic]

xp sp1.

I think I have to load the software that came with it.

 

[dabuddha]

Originally posted by: MustISO
Which type of disc is it? You shouldn't have to format any of them except *maybe* -RW or +RW. I've only ever used +R and -R.
Which OS are you running?

 

[aic]

I loaded the software that came with it and I still have the same problem. When I put the DVD in (tried 2 different ones) the my computer icon changes from DVD+RW to "CD Drive" and there is still no option to format.

 

[LostHiWay]

You don't need to format. Just open up your burning software and burn away

 

[aic]

Shouldn't I be able to click on the dvd drive in my computer?

When I do I get a message that the drive is not accessible and the drive lettering is CD and not DVD.

 

[murphy55d]

Again, why are you trying to format this DVD?

And why don't you have any software installed for it?

 

[nebula]

Originally posted by: aic
Shouldn't I be able to click on the dvd drive in my computer?

When I do I get a message that the drive is not accessible and the drive lettering is CD and not DVD.

I'm not sure about the drive lettering problem, but no, you should not be able to click on the drive in My Computer if it's a blank disc in the drive. You'll just get a "drive not ready" error or similiar, like you mention.

And yes, you don't need to format the blank, even if it's RW, UNLESS you are trying to do packet writing, i.e. drag/drop files right onto the DVD burner. You really don't need this once you know how to work your burning software. What software is it BTW? If it's Nero, I'd suggest updating it. If not, maybe you need to install an ASPI layer. Have you ever burned anything before?

BTW, you should probably have posted this in General Hardware.

 

[aic]

Sonic MY DVD and Cyberlink Power DVD

 

[aic]

Shouldn't I be able to drag files from C to the DVD?

I am not comfortable with the drive not being accessible in my computer.

 

[nebula]

Originally posted by: aic
Shouldn't I be able to drag files from C to the DVD?

I am not comfortable with the drive not being accessible in my computer.

I don't have a DVD burner yet so not sure, but you could do this with a CDR that was formatted for packet writing and installed software to do so, which is usually included with the burning software. But again, I'm not sure about DVDs, I would think it would have that capability. The drive is not accessible in my computer if a blank disc is in it for anybody. It's the same as if no disc was in there at all. The formatting option for packet writing is usually in the burning software somewhere, not my computer. Unless you read something about Mt. Ranier format and are referring to that? That will allow drag/drop to a burner but it has not been implemented in Windows yet, as far as I know.

Did you post in General Hardware? I'd start a new thread over there and link here for reference, I'm sure you'll get an answer.

 

[MustISO]

Originally posted by: aic
Shouldn't I be able to drag files from C to the DVD?

I am not comfortable with the drive not being accessible in my computer.

You need packet writing software for that. For storage or whatever you need to burn with something like Gear Pro, NERO 6 (preferably), Prassi Primo, etc.
Stuff like Sonic MyDVD is usually just for home movies, or videos. For data use one of the other programs I mentioned.