Won't format new DVD-RW disks

Could be that you are using the wrong type of DVD ? There are two formats DVD+R, DVD+RW etc and DVD-R, DVD-RW etc. Some machines are capable of using either, others can use one of the two formats.
My other suggestion is that some machines are picky about which manufacturer's DVDs they will use.

6.November.2015

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DVD_formats

if you have an error code this might be useful
Dvd recorder won record on DVD RW disc
Some possibly relevant answers here which suggest my answers above
http://www.digitaltvbanter.co.uk/uk-tech-digital-tv-digital/25025-brand-new-panasonic-dvd-recorder.html

HI,

You can try cleaning the dvd lens with a commercialy available cd/dvd cleaner.

If the disk is copywrite protected, your recorder is designed to not record be it an rw or whatever disk. Try making the copy with your computer and use DVD Shrink software still available on line. This software will decode and shrink the data to fit your blank. Since the software cannot be updated (legal reasons), it might not work, and you will have to resort to DVD Fab for the decoding process. There should be no hassle with older disks.

Get a CD/DVD laser lens cleaner - the kind with optical quality brushes sticking out of the bottom of the disk. Run this in the player/recorder a couple times. Should clear it up.

You can get them at Best Buy, Radio Shack, online, etc...

I figured how to get the Memorex DVD-R's working again. I went and bought a DVD lens cleaner and all the errors stopped at least for a while I hope.

The full user manual is available at:

http://pdf.crse.com/manuals/2587623111.pdf

If the procedure fails, the disk may be corrupt but you might try formatting the disk on your pc.

Hope this helps. Please rate reply if it does thanks.

Have the same problem with this piece of junk.
Tried all the solutions. Clean lens etc. Nothing helped.
Tried replacing the drive with another that I had. No go, apparently has some proprietary firmware.
I was about to throw it in the trash when I suddenly realized that it had a TV tuner. Hooked it up to my computer through a Pinnacle Dazzle interface and VOILA I had a hard drive recorder. I either just watch it on my monitor or burn a DVD if it is something I want to keep. Hey that is better than pitching something you paid $300 bucks for in the trash. You can pick up a dazzle or similar on EBAY for a lot less than a new Hard disc recorder will cost you.

I have got exactly the same problem. Thought I had found some discs that worked as the first one formatted, since then all have come up with that crappy error protection message. Samsung really should sort this out.

I have a JVC DR-MH50 DVD/HD recorder and it will only record on DVD-R or DVD-RW not DVD+R or +RW. so check your format of disk you are trying to record on it may be as simple as that.