General CD-Burner Problem Question...Please Help!

[StephenR]

I'm pretty sure this problem happens with a lot of CD-RW burners, since I've had friends with the same problems. Anyway...

I have a Philips that came with my computer when I bought it about one and a half years ago. It had never had any problems until about a month ago, when it's performance began getting spotty, ie. stopping halfway through, messing up on the TOC. Within the last month, it's performance has only degenerated, and now it skips the entire burning process and goes right to writing the TOC. So, the question is, does this immediatly mean the burner is shot, or could it benefit from a cleaning (which I haven't tried yet)?

I would just get a new one, since this one is quite slow, but in the Christmas season, I don't really have the time or money to do that. Is there any hope for the drive, or has it perished?

Thanks for any help.

 

[Stephen24]

What software are you using?

 

[StephenR]

I'm using the software that came with the burner...Adaptec Easy CD Creator.

 

[Maverick]

I had some problems like that with my panasonic 7502 CD-R a couple years ago. What fixed it for me was a firmware update. You may wanna try that. If its a SCSI, try updating the drivers/firmware for your SCSI card too.

 

[Stephen24]

Don't use EZ CD Coaster, errr I mean Creator. Use something else like Nero

 

[randypj]

I just updated an old Philips-based CDD-3610 2x2x6 from firmware 3.01 to 3.09. No problems, but I think it is only supposed to allow it to READ <75min cd's.

Since it has just come on gradually, it might be mechanical. I know there is a trick to lubricating the runners, or slide or something inside some brands of burners. I believe Philips is one.

Also, some people have had good results cleaning the laser pickup.

I know there is a web page that explains how to clean the rails...that's what they are called. Darn, I can't remember, but I've seen it on links from some burner/software page.
--Randy