Windows 7 - DVD Drive not working

I think, whs, that you are missing the problem. The problem isn't so simple as the disk simply didn't have anything on it. It is because Windows is unable to format the disk properly or something so you cannot write to a blank disk.

Can you confirm the issue for whs and me? thread starter?

Logical? I am not sure. I have never had blank CD/DVD before without a burning software installed on windows.

Maybe someone here could confirm if it is possible to open a blank CD or DVD recordable without a third-party burning software installed on windows. I would think it is possible to open a blank cd or dvd recordable without getting an error message saying 'windows can't read the disc in drive'...

It cant read the disk cause there's nothing on a blank disk to read...

Well as I said before the dvd-drive would open a vista dvd and a movie dvd. But when I put in the blank cd/dvd recordable it would not open giving me that error. Now I would think it would be logical windows would say something like 'you have to format the disc first before using' .. but the fact that I was reading 'unable to read' error says there is yet unknown problem there that some people seem to have.

what? why couldn't it open a blank CD? there is no reason for 'unable to read disc' error. It is like if I delete all the files from a RW dvd .. does that mean I would get the same error?

It should work - i know you said you tried to install the firmware, but did it install? If it were for a previous OS you can get it to install in compatibility mode :

To install a driver OR program in compatibility mode - right click the setup.exe file - click properties - click compatibility - check run in compatibility with vista/xp etc - check run as administrator - leave the rest blank. Start setup.exe and install.

Assuming it did install i can assure you you dont need any extra software to format a blank disc, play, write to or anything - just right click and the options are there - W dvd maker works also, so its software related.

One thing you might want to check are your Autoplay settings. Becuase when you throw the blank disk in, you should at least get an Autoplay window like this.