Keep getting "Fail" on blank discs

The LVW-5005 DVD Recorder came with a list of recommended brands for each type of disc, and they are all different in all categories. Some brands are recommended for CDs, some for DVDs, etc. They are not the same in any catagory. Most of the ones I bought were not on the list, because I couldn't find those listed anywhere in my neighborhood here in California. Some worked before, but are not working well now. Some have never worked, and some are failing intermittently.

The INVALID DISC message comes up on both units often, but when it comes up on the LVW-5005 unit the DISC eject feature will not eject. The open close door stays shut and says it is open, but sticks and keeps trying to reread the disc. You actually have to tip the machine down to let gravity help, and then turn it on and off and on and off and it finally opens and drops out the invalid disc.

The LVC-9016G unit says "change disc", or gets stuck on "Preparing". Sometimes it prepares, and then I can actually record, but when I try to load it later..... FAIL! This too is INTERMITTENT. GOD I HATE THAT WORD!!!!

I am not good a taking machines apart, and I have a MAC system 10.5 computer, and the firmware update seems to be geared to the WINDOWS PC. HELP?? Is there anything I can do.

Also IS THERE A LIST OF PREFERRED BRANDS of the media for the LVC-9016G model. It may be the same as the list for the LVW-5005 unit, except the that unit is supposed to record on CDs as well. NOT SURE> None are working consistantly.

The other idea that I had is that the newer DVD-R and DVD-RW or the DVD+R and DVD+RW discs have a heavier technology and these older burners (2 years makes it older, I guess....) and seem to no longer like them.

The 6 hour SLP I always set them to record on in the past, may no longer be valid. The 4x, 8X 16X etc. may not work either. Since I don't understand what that means, and we only have access to what is available to buy, I am at a loss there too. I am logical, but not technically educated in this technology. I come at this with psychology, not technology... :-)

I have the LVC-9016G for 2 years, and the other bought at COSTCO only a year ago. Is $300 worth of equipment already obsolete?

I have not hacked or touched anything. I may need to buy another lense cleaning disc. I have a memorex one, but when I put that in it said INVALID DISC, and will not work either. Won't read or spin.

I am frustrated...http://club.cdfreaks.com/images/smilies/6/eek.gif.

Candy this can be due to invalid media........all types will not burn in this unit........good success....meder's tv service