DVD-ROM (little older) won't read new DVD-R's

[Corey0808]

Is there anyway I can get my old DVD-ROM (older NEC Model, maybe 3 years old) to recognize my new Memorex DVD-R's? The discs are okay because they work in another machine and my DVD-RW recognizes them. Thanks!

 

[CraigRT]

probably not going to happen... likely need to just break down and get a new ROM.. use that one in an older PC or something. I had to do with with an old DVDROM I had.

 

[Corey0808]

that sucks 🙁

Recommend any DVD-ROMs that are good and will recognize most new DVD+-RW media?

 

[Zepper]

1- Install or update your ASPI layer software (download from http://www.adaptec.com). I know it says for SCSI, but also works to solve optical drive and other drive interface problems often caused by installing/uninstalling several brands/versions of burning software.
2- Reboot
3- Update your drive's firmware - most firmware updates contain many media compatibility enhancements.
. See if something there doesn't help.
. If all else fails, luckily new DVD-ROM drives are cheap. Under $20. (AR) most any given week at the big-box stores and similar prices online. If you want a good one, check out the ASUS or AOpen brands - they are much better supported than NEC which are usually sold only thru the OEM channel. As they say: Costs more, but they are worth it.
. Check sites like http://www.cdrinfo.com or http://www.driverguide.com if you can't locate a firmware update for your NEC easily.

.bh.

 

[Baked]

Could be because your NEC only reads DVD+R media. Find a DVD+R and put it in the drive and see if it reads. If that doesn't work, get a Lite-On 167T, or AOpen 1648 from Newegg.com.

 

[Corey0808]

how do I tell what my drive reads for media? I have a NEC DV-5700A

 

[Zepper]

Here is a link to a firmware update - there may be others out there: Linkage

And another firmware update link:
Linkage

I don't know which one is older but the first link claims to be for v.1.92 and the second link says v.3.43.

Actually older DVD ROM drives should be more compatible with DVD-R - probably most other than the newest (and I haven't seen much in the way of new models of DVD-ROM drives in the last year) would have a hard time with DVD+/-RW media... You could probably pick up an "older" DVD +/- burner (8X or slower) for cheap (as everyone seems to want the latest 16x DL burners) on eBay which should be able to read most any DVD media.

.bh.

 

[Corey0808]

anybody have any reviews on the best DVD-ROMs that will read DVD+-RW media?

 

[Baked]

Originally posted by: Corey0808
how do I tell what my drive reads for media? I have a NEC DV-5700A

Go to www.CDSpeed2000.com and download Nero InfoTool. Install it and everthing that shows up should be explanatory.

Originally posted by: Corey0808
anybody have any reviews on the best DVD-ROMs that will read DVD+-RW media?

Like posted above, either Lite-On 167T or AOpen 1648. If you need more info, go to club.cdfreaks.com and do a search on those two drives.

 

[Zepper]

Another possibility you may not have considered is that your drive just needs cleaning (anyone in your house a smoker? fry a lot of greasy food? have a generally dusty environment?) - after all, they ARE optical drives. And cleanliness is next to godliness with optical drives. Open the drive's case and suck/blow out the dust-bunnies. Then use some Q-tips and plain rubbing alcohol (at least 70% isopropyl or ethanol with NO additives like glycerine or wintergreen oil) and clean the laser lenses. I do that at least once a year - but then I'm a techie with nearly 25 years' experience... 😉
.bh.

The Asus DVD-E616P2 is an excellent drive that's rated to read all types of DVD incl. dual-layer. I'd vouch for it. Get the retail version from newegg for around $30. shipped. See www.cdrinfo.com or www.cdrlabs.com for reviews. The Artec DHM-G48R isn't half bad either.

 

[Corey0808]

It's a tough call between the LiteOn, Samsung and ASUS drives. What does everybody recommend?
I'm looking for something that has high media compatibility (i.e. reads + and - format Dual Layer etc) and performs reasonbly well since it will be my primary drive.

Also is there a drive that officially supports Dual Layer? Since my burner is a DL I want to be able to read it without problems. Thanks!

 

[kranky]

Isn't there a way with some burners to have burned DVDs appear to be DVD-ROMs?

 

[Baked]

Yes. It's called bitsetting, but only for DVD+R type media (this includes DVD+RW and DVD+R DL). Lite-On and NEC DVD burners (and others) can do it w/ hacked firmware while burning with Nero. The newest NEC 3520A can do it automatically. Here a thread asking the same question at club.cdfreaks.com http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=107785

 

[Zepper]

Both the Asus and Artec support DL (the Artec doesn't specifially say so but it does say "reads DVDs up to 16GB per disk" and AFAIK, DS/DL is the only way to get 16GB/disk).
Try cleaning (if you don't feel comfortable tearing into the drive like I do, you can get a cleaning disk at most of the big box stores - preferably one that uses a wet cleaning method) the drive and at least some of the other steps I mentioned before storming off to buy a new drive.
.bh.

 

[Corey0808]

Well I used Nero Info Tool to figure out what my drive supports and it only supports DVD-R/RW. So I think I might get another one anyways just incase I decide to use a different type of media.


I'm new to the DVD burning scene. IF I had the right firmware how would I use the bitsetting on my 3500A? Where can I get the firmware for that? Thanks!