dvd drive won't burn 16x dvd's

M

Michaela521

New Member
I have a dell dimension xps gen 4 computer with a dvd burning drive. For some reason it isn't burning 16x dvd's. I have had no trouble with burning before until I got these 16x dvd's. Is this the cause or is it something else. I switch from dvd+r to dvd-r thinking that that might be it but it still didn't work. Could it be the 16x feature of the dvds. If it is then is there something I can do about it. Thanks
 
You did not mention the software you are using. With Nero you can run a max speed test to see what the disk can be written at. If you need to burn right now, try a lower speed eg 8x. I never burn at more than half the max of the blank media but that's my choice. Some drives don't like some brands of disk, particularly lower quality.

There are various utilities like cd/dvd speed, Disk Info tab and Lite-On's Smart Burn that can give a good idea of max speed for the media.

Starman*
 
What I use is sonic recordnow plus. The dvd's are memorex dvd-r at 16x. My brother was just backing up his movies on this same computer and he was using memorex dvd-r at 8x. It burned and played them just fine. Doesn't make any sense to me. I thought that perhaps I had a bad batch so I returned and got some more and still nothing. Mayby I should switch dvd brands and see what happens then. Something like sony dvd-r at 16x.
At the local store they don't sell anything lower than 16x. any other opinions. thanks for the help.
 
i have been having the same problem you are, but i fixed it

i was making a linux dvd, and nero wasn't working, so i used ultraiso, and put the burn speed to 6x, and its working now
 
You should be able to force the software to burn at a lower speed. If it takes a few minutes longer, does it really matter? Don't have your software - with Nero you can choose the max or a lower speed.

Not all burners work with all media at all rated speeds. Change media or speed. You could update the burner firmware if you've had it a while.

Starman*
 
I guess I had to update my dvd drive with firmware. This really should be an automatic update IMO. I mean, how on earth does dell think we are supposed to know this! thanks:cool:
 
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There are some risks updating the firmware. It's not quite as simple as updating a driver. I suppose Dell should really update the firmware to the latest version before releasing the pc, or ensure their suppliers do it.

Starman*
 
Risk! Like what? I assume you mean that it might not work and/or it might not burn as good as it should be. Do you think it safer just to continue burning with the old media or switch to the newer stuff. Thanks:cool:
 
Like if the firmware burn is interrupted you now have an excellent paperweight.

Added later: re media, whatever works. When I used 16x I burned at 6x. I just bought Verbatim which has a max of 8x. I burn at 6x. I can find plenty of other things to do in those few extra minutes.

Starman*
 
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