Fix CD/DVD Burner Problems

Most modern computers feature a CD and/or DVD burner drives. Although the CD/DVD burner drive typically runs smoothly, you may run into issues where the drive does not function properly and won't burn the intended content. Usually this issue can be cleared up just by checking a few different items on the computer system.

Open the manual that came with either the computer or the CD/DVD burner (if you purchased the CD/DVD burner separately from your computer). Inside the manual it states what format of disk you can use with the drive. Although you won't have this issue with a CD drive, there are many different formats for DVDs and some formats (such as DVD+R) won't work on drives specifically made to work with a different format (DVD-R). If you insert the wrong format disk into the computer drive the system automatically ejects the disk and states the disk format isn't supported.

Check the disk to make sure there isn't already data written on it. A disk with content already on it can't be used again (unless it's a re-writable) disk. The drive is going to read the disk and play the contents, however if you try to write something on the disk the computer ejects it and asks for a CD/DVD that does not have content written onto it.

Clean off the bottom of the blank disk you intend on using. If there is hair or fingerprints on the disk, the burner may not burn content onto it. The disk needs to be as close to perfect as possible. You can use a clean, soft cloth to remove the dust. For tough dirt you can use glass cleaner or even a CD cleaner.

Close out the CD/DVD burning software. Reopen the program and select to create the kind of format you want your disk to be (data, video, audio). Sometimes just closing out the software and reopening it can fix any issue. A data disk allows you to open it in any computer while a video CD/DVD plays in a DVD player and an audio CD can play in a music CD player.

Reinstall the drivers for the CD/DVD burner if the computer is not detecting the drive. Either insert the driver installation CD that came with the device or launch your Internet browser and make your way to the manufacture's website, select "Support and Downloads" and download the driver for the drive.