Solved Windows 7 CD Burn

[powderday]

Hi Folks,

I am trying to burn an audio cd with window media player - When I insert a new Maxell CD-R into the DVD-Rom tray, it accepts it, yet does not recognize it -

Thus, when I drag a burn list into it's place, and try to start a burn, nothing happens - the Start Burn is grayed out, and a message below that states - "Connect a burner, restart the player" ???

I have also tried using the Task cd burner located on Windows Media Center, and it tells me to "Ensure you have a cd in tray" / prompts me to load a CD, even though the Maxell CD-R in the tray!

I have done my research and tried these things as possible remedy -
1) Uninstall and re-install Windows Media Player - did it, to no avail
2) Adjust recording speed time - to no avail
3) I have inserted a Mozart cd into the tray, the system immediately identified it, and started audio playback with no problem - so it identifies that type of cd, yet not the blank one -
49 I have checked the drive, and other related systems, and the computer tells me everything is working just fine -

>>I am very weary of downloading one of the free cd burners, for fear of malware/virus, etc>

Please, any other suggestions from you folks - I just want to burn a cd and enjoy some home made tunes!!!!
Thanks !!

 

[samuria]

Have you tried formatting the disk first

 

[MisterEd]

Have you ever burned a disc to it? What is the model number for the DVD drive?
Not all DVD drives can burn discs. Are you sure your drive is capable of burning discs?

 

[SIW2]

Did the dvddrive come with the mesozoic optiplex?

 

[MisterEd]

Did the dvddrive come with the mesozoic optiplex?

Like I said not all DVD drives are capable of burning discs. Have you ever burned a disc with it?

 

[powderday]

No sir, first time trying

- - - Updated - - -

Never tried formatting, l'm not sure how (or why I would need to do that for a basic cd burn)-

Drive is TSSTcorp DVD-ROM TS-L333D - Preliminary research shows it does in fact burn audio CD's -
Thanks all for your responses -

 

[flavallee]

From what I can determine, the TS-L333D is strictly a DVD-ROM drive.

 

[MisterEd]

From what I can determine, the TS-L333D is strictly a DVD-ROM drive.

I agree. DVD-ROM means it can only read CD or DVD discs. If the drive could also write to discs then it would have been DVD+RW or DVD±R/±RW.

 

[SIW2]

https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-uk/000147805/guide-to-optical-disk-drives-and-optical-discs

 

[powderday]

OK fellas, I trust your word, as you certainly appear more learned than me about these matters -
If it can only read cd's, is there a work around?

>Will a free CD burner program like CD Burner XP, or some other burn software work?

>Perhaps installing a different driver that is compatible with my machine??

>> Or, is it such that any hopes of burning a cd on my machine is not a viable option? Thanks for your feedback and time!

 

[MisterEd]

OK fellas, I trust your word, as you certainly appear more learned than me about these matters -
If it can only read cd's, is there a work around?

>Will a free CD burner program like CD Burner XP, or some other burn software work?

>Perhaps installing a different driver that is compatible with my machine??

>> Or, is it such that any hopes of burning a cd on my machine is not a viable option? Thanks for your feedback and time!

There are no workarounds. DVD-ROM are simply incapable of writing to discs. You have two options:

• Replaced the internal DVD-ROM drive with one that can read/write CDs and DVDs.
• Get an external drive that can read/write CDs and DVDs. They plug into a USB port.

BTW, since my laptop doesn't even have a CD/DVD drive I bought an external drive that can read/write CDs and DVDs. It plugs into a USB port.

 

[SIW2]

If it can only read cd's, is there a work around?

If you are on a tight budget they are cheap as chips second hand. couple of examples if you have 980 tower

ASUS DRW-24D5MT Internal 24x SATA DVD CD Re-Writer Optical Drive 4893433129921 | eBay

Asus DRW-24D5MT 24x SATA DVD Writer with M-Disk Support, Black - Clearance 4893433129921 | eBay

or 16.99 new
ASUS DRW-24D5MT OEM DVD Writer Optical Drive - 90DD01Y0-B10010 | CCL

or you could pick up old cheap machine ( or find one at the dump ) and scavenge the dvddrive out of it.

 

[powderday]

Thanks so much for the feedback - it seems the easiest option is to get an external unit that reads/writes cd /dvd -
I found this unit, Laurensensory external cd/dvd read/write, and it comes with great reviews, so will purchase -

Thanks again, you all have been a great help; very much appreciated!!!!

 

[MisterEd]

Thanks so much for the feedback - it seems the easiest option is to get an external unit that reads/writes cd /dvd -
I found this unit, Laurensensory external cd/dvd read/write, and it comes with great reviews, so will purchase -

Thanks again, you all have been a great help; very much appreciated!!!!

This type of external DVD was designed for a laptop so comes with a short USB cable. If this cable is too short for you then you will have to find a way to deal with that. For example, use a USB extender cable.

Are you buying at Amazon? If so, the you have 30 days to exchange the drive or get a refund. I suggest you try out the drive ASAP to make sure you can burn a CD or DVD. If it doesn't work out then return it for a refund.

 

[SIW2]

I think somebody in the feedback says it doesn't work with an extender.

 

[MisterEd]

I think somebody in the feedback says it doesn't work with an extender.

The reviewer didn't say how long or how good a cable they were using. Since the OP will be using the external DVD with a desktop computer a short USB extension cable might be needed.

I assume this was provided by the manufacturer for the Amazon listing:

Tips when you have problems with this usb cd rom drive external
* If you think the data cable is too short, try using an extension cable < 3ft.

 

[powderday]

Thanks, the review says it has an 8" cable - my Dell tower has USB ports on the back, so it can sit beside the tower on my desk - Should be no problem at all - Thanks for the Intel and feedback!