Member Avatar for Paddy

My DVD drive doesn't seem to recognise DVD -R format discs, but it supports DVD +R discs just fine. Is there any way that I can update or alter my drive so that it will accept the DVD -R variety? My drive is labelled as follows in the Device Manager:

_NEC DVD+RW ND-2100AD

Thanks :D

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Dani AI

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Quick summary and context: the ND-2100AD you listed is one of NEC’s early DVD+RW-series drives. Some of those units were built only to handle the “+” family; others share hardware with multi-format drives and can be cross-flashed to add “-” support. The two formats use different addressing/tracking schemes (which is why some drives/readers are picky). For background on the format differences see DVD recordable.

Before considering any firmware change, run this checklist so risk is minimized:

  • Confirm the exact model string and firmware revision from the drive sticker and from Windows (don’t rely on partial names).
  • Locate the official spec sheet for that exact model to see listed supported formats.
  • Look for multiple independent reports of a successful crossflash for that exact model+firmware; one success story is not enough.
  • If the flashing tool lets you dump or back up the current firmware, do that first.
  • Plan for power stability (no interrupted flashes) and have another burner on hand in case of failure.
  • Only proceed if you understand recovery steps for your specific drive and are comfortable accepting the risk.

Practical alternatives: if burning or reading -R discs is the goal, the cheapest, safest fix is a modern inexpensive burner or an external USB writer that explicitly lists both +R and -R support. Using +R media (which your drive already accepts) is also a pragmatic option. For compatibility notes and why hardware matters see Optical disc drive.

Final note: is right that community firmware exists, and ’s warning about bricking is valid. Crossflashing can work, but only when done with exact matches and good recovery options; for most people replacement hardware is the lower-risk path.

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Member Avatar for Thong_Ispector

Nope that is a + drive, they do make a + or - drive as well as just minus drives...

The short answer.... No

Member Avatar for Coconut Monkey

Long answer, yes!

There is a third party firmware update for your drive that unlocks -R burning, but you use and install it at your own risk (this is not an official update, and is not guaranteed to work)! Basically, you need to download a firmware updater program (a "flasher") and then run it in a pure DOS environment and apply a downloaded firmware update file.
The start page
The firmware

Failed or frequent firmware updates could result in a paperweight. If you are unsure of the process, then don't take the risk.

Member Avatar for Thong_Ispector

About 1 in 5 of those flashes ends up making a paperweight/doorstop...

and that is when the flash is designed for a specific piece of hardware,

The odds on a generic flash working... even less...

I would want to make sure someone else with the same drive and firmware version has done it successfully

Member Avatar for Coconut Monkey

and that is when the flash is designed for a specific piece of hardware,

Yep. Judging by the "D" at the end of the model number, our friend may have a rebadged OEM drive. The risk is greater, but the potential for dual layer burning is there!

There are ways to recover from a failed flash, but they're rather risky themselves and I certainly wouldn't be game to try (it involves plugging the drive into the IDE channel while the PC is on).

Like I said, you attempt an update at your own risk!

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