DVD-RW problems

The DVD drive doesn't recognize the DVD-RW in the drive even though the drive should be capable, or no contents are shown even though you know the DVD-RW contains files, or operations like copying files cannot be done because command options like the one circled in the photo aren't displayed or available on the menu.

There are a number of possible solutions that might help the error. But first make sure that the DVD drive is really capable of reading DVD-RWs and that the DVD-RW is not damaged. If the DVD or CD was prepared on a different optical drive, it may be that the disc format is incompatible. Mount Rainier formatted discs for example only work with explicitly compatible drives. If you are sure it should work-it was prepared or was previously working properly with the current optical drive-try the following:

Solution 1

Did you install then uninstall a DVD authoring program like Nero? Then try uninstalling the DVD authoring software again-this time properly. This is what ultimately helped me when I had the problem. Chances are you uninstalled this program using the built-in Windows Uninstaller. Unfortunately the default uninstaller doesn't do a thorough job of uninstalling Nero and leaves certain files that can create conflicts. To uninstall Nero completely, Nero has their General Clean Tool that you should use to completely uninstall their product. If you have an older version of their product you'll need to look for an older version of the tool.

Solution 2

Read Microsoft's discussion of the issue here and use the provided Fix It tool. Alternatively you can edit the registry for the upperfilters and lowerfilters entries as explained in the Microsoft article-but be careful! Know what you are doing and remember to backup the registry because incorrect changes in the registry can corrupt the operating system leading to an even larger headache.

Solution 3

Change the drive speed. Reducing the drive speed may allow some media to be read. Something like Nero DriveSpeed, usually found in the Nero Toolkit program folder, allows one to select the drive speed.

Solution 4

Try uninstalling and then reinstalling the optical drive's driver. Right click My Computer on the desktop and select Properties and then under the hardware tab press Device Manager. Click on the DVD-ROM drive icon. Check to see of there is a yellow icon with an exclamation mark indicating a problem. If there is this is likely the source of the problem; even if there isn't, one might still wish to continue with the instructions. Right click the icon and select Properties. Before proceeding you should probably make sure that you have the driver for the DVD-ROM optical drive available to reinstall later. Uninstall the current driver. Reboot. This should refresh the driver.

Solution 5

Find newer firmware drivers for your DVD drive. Go to the manufacturer's website and see if any are available.

Solution 6

Clean the drive. Dust particles inside the drive may be interfering with its ability to read discs. I've noticed doing as little as simply wiping the tray when in the ejected position with a slightly damp clean cloth allowed some discs that at first seemed unreadable to be read. If that doesn't work one can try a cleaning disc specially made for the purpose sold in stores or move on to physically removing the drive from the case to more thoroughly clean it. A cotton bud may be useful. Be careful not to scratch the lens and damage the drive.

Should none of the above solutions solve the problem, a line of inquiry that might be worth pursuing is to look at the Pinnacle drivers in your system. Further research I have conducted indicates the underlying problem in many cases are older Pinnacle drivers that conflict when DVD authoring software isn't removed properly. Finding and removing them or reinstalling the programs that introduced them is a possible path to explore.

I hope this was of help. Good luck!