Samsung External DVD Writer Very Slow

Hi, I have just built a new computer and have the NZXT H440 case but unfortunately you couldn't fit an internal cd/dvd writer so I have bought a Samsung SE-208GB external drive instead and connected to a USB 2.0 port. It works fine but it has very slow read speeds and seems to take a long time to rip an audio CD into iTunes (when compared to my old PC's internal drive).

Does anyone know the reason for this and if it can be fixed? I am using Win 7 HP 64 bit btw. It's a new install of the OS but is fully updated and with SP1.

Thanks.

I'm not sure if that is similar to my problem as I am not trying to format a disc or burn to one, just ripping a CD to iTunes really.

AfxTwn said:

... but unfortunately you couldn't fit an internal cd/dvd writer so I have bought a Samsung SE-208GB external drive instead ...

Did you try another USB port yet?

I know an external drive might be a bit slower than an internal SATA drive but the highest speed I'm getting is 5.1x and yes I've tried another USB port. I read a review of the drive at CDR Labs: CDRLabs.com - Performance - CD Read | Samsung SE-208GB Portable 8x DVD Writer | Reviews and they show that the drive can read up to 24x so I don't understand why I'm seeing such slow speeds when ripping the CD. It's only writing to DVD's that the speed drops to 8x and I'm not really going to be burning DVD's much.

I don't think it's a fault with the drive itself, more of a software issue (possibly within Windows) that is stopping the drive from reading/ripping CD's at near it's maximum speed.

Maybe iTunes is at fault? Is "Use error correction" unchecked in options?
Tried another ripper? Like the good old WinAmp :) Winamp Media Player legacy site - WinampHeritage.com

Yes error correction is turned off but I've never had a problem with iTunes before. I can try another ripper and see if that helps.