DVD/CD writer won't write!

[Melvin Bragg]

Hi
I have a HL-DT-ST DVD-RW GWA-4160B DVD/CD Rewriter.
It will read both DVD and CD but has stopped writing.
When I try to burn a new CD in windows, I get the error message Pease insert a writeable CD into drive E:\. When I use Nero I get a message saying the Drive is in use by another programme.
Any help would be great.

[knsljo]

There are no firmware updates for this drive:sad: . I would test it in another machine if it works you could have a software problem, if not bin it and get a new one. Let me know outcome!:lol:

[hollystyles]

I had a similar problem once, it turned out the power supply was not up to powering all my added on bits and was no longer supplying sufficient current to burn a cd properly. Solution get a bigger PSU (bigger Watts not bigger size obviously)

But yeah try it in another machine first, if it works there, spend the money on a new PSU.

[waycoolgal]

I agree with the idea that psu could be going bad but then again could be the drive itself.

[Melvin Bragg]

I had a similar problem once, it turned out the power supply was not up to powering all my added on bits and was no longer supplying sufficient current to burn a cd properly. Solution get a bigger PSU (bigger Watts not bigger size obviously)

But yeah try it in another machine first, if it works there, spend the money on a new PSU.

Thank you for your replies.
My PC does not have any hardware additions and is in it's original configuration.
It is less than a year old, has Win XP Home, Intel 3.4ghz, 1gb ram, 256mb graphics card and 250gb HD. It general works fine and has no other obvious problems. I also have Kaspersky anti virus installed.

[hollystyles]

Check you're antivirus settings, you're looking to check it's not trying to scan your drive and getting in the way of Windows or NERO when they want to burn.

Also 1 year can build up some dust, use a reputable cd cleaning product in the drive, I know it reads ok but CD burning has lower tolerance compared to just reading (you now.. it's more um.. twitchy, conditions need to be just so)