DVD+RW not working right

Hi Folks, I have a Dell Inspiron E1705 with the DVD+RW installed. Everything was working fine until now. It wont recognize anything except DVD's that I had burned. In particular it only plays burned movies.
I tried rolling back the drivers and tried looking for updates to no avail. I once got an error telling me the disc(any disc, i.e. games, diagnostic, music) was either corrupted or not in a recognized format. I even did a system restore to a point I know when it worked. Since it plays the movies(only ones I previously burned) I thought maybe its a bug or a software problem.
The warranty is expired and I am hoping not to go through Dell Hell customer support. I am not very savvy when it comes to computers so any help or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks, Joe.

p.s. I also have a broken key. How and where can I replace it, thanks.

 

VideoLAN is free and works well if you want to try some different software. Can you read the disc in Explorer?

 

Hi Zaz, no I can't read it in explorer either. thanx for replying.

 

Krazz, try to get the latest firmware from Dell site or manufacturer site for your DVD Writer.

btw, your DVD writer is of which company?

 

Might want to try deleting the ide drivers. Windows will install them when re-booted.

 

I have a similar problem... I can read disks of all kinds... but the drive won't burn... or even recognize disks. it says D:\ is not accessible, incorrect function. tried uninstallations of burning software, drivers, and updates as well.

 

I am really asking a question!

I have a new Thinkpad T60: DVD/RW Multi-Burner. I should be able Watch and Record/Burn a movie to a DVD, correct?

Sircas

 

It is a TSSTcorp DVD+-RW TS-L532B. It is driving me crazy! It won't even recognize the diagnostics cd. When I open it through explorer it shows no cd. I tried uninstalling it then deleting the drivers and nothing works. It only reads movies I have burned in the past. It won't even see blank cd's or dvd's. Guess I deserve it for buying Dell again. Now I probably have to go through Dell Hell support. They'll probably tell me to buy a new one. ARRGH! Thanx for the input guys.

 

If it's still under warranty, they could just send you a new one.

 

I know what you mean. I have the same drive on my E1705 and it can't burn or copy crap. I was going to contact Dell's support but my warranty is expired.

-Mike

 

my warranty is expired also. I have been searching every bit of info in the web about the TSST. Apparently it is crap and alot of people have problems with it. If you are under warranty try and replace it with an NEC. Any suggestons on a decent replacement would be appreciated. Thanks for all the input guys. This is still one of the best notebook resources on the web!