My burner only seems to be able to burn+ DVD not -DVD although I am having trouble getting it to do that.I am using Fab 5

Hello mklvon,
Welcome to FixYa.Com!
I would like to recommend that you first take a look at your computer. Check if you have a USB 2.0 High Speed port. Reason is because although you have a USB 2.0 Ext Multi-Burner but your connecting it to a USB 1.0 or USB 1.1 port, the Multi-Burner will only run as fast as the USB port can transfer data.
Another time I would like to recommend is for you to take a look at the USB cable itself. As it is an Ext. Multi-Burner it may require a power USB port w/c is the reason why most Ext. Burner's have a Y-connector that is one USB port on one side and the other side branches off to 2 USB ports as it required extra power. If it is, you may want to consider your options as to getting a powered USB port.
And lastly, I would recommend that you take a look at the type of discs you are burning on to. Not all DVD R are the same. Whilst some have 24x speed some can have 4x speeds which can also affect the burn speeds.
Regards,
Deathschythe33

Hello,
Just click on the link http://support.microsoft.com/mats/cd_dvd_drive_problems/en-us
and also click on NOW RUN from right side box. It will automatically give youthe message, well or bad.
If the problem with the lens, you should try cleaningthe lens,with disk cleaner, it's already gone bad and there is no harm to take a risk to open ordisassemble the dvd/cd rw,click on the bellow link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaiTJYHQCCg

1. When running your pc, open the drawer.>
2. clean the optical lance
3. http://www.howtodothings.com/computers/a3631-how-to-clean-a-cd-rom-drive.html

1. now you can fit to your pc

If it does the same problemplease change the cd/dvd rw because the lance has defected. If you need more information, reply me soon.
Thanks .

have u changed the brand of blank media u used + check yr pc for virus

Used to run into this all of the time.

1. Nero and Roxio are famous for this. Writers have their own set of drivers that different burning programs hook into to transfer the data onto the disk. It's a hierarchical structure, and quite often a new installation of software takes over those hooks for itself, leaving a disconnect for the other programs.

• I bet that you either installed or updated Nero most recently.

For the disc that won't load. Is it just one or all? If a disc gets damaged in the base volume files, this can easily happen.

I just burned 6 movies, I noticed that when it goes to finalize, it ejects before finalization is complete. I use FAB Platinum 4.1. I'm going to go into the settings and use Nero burning rom before I remove my Sony and put in my other burner (Plextor) better then Sony I think. I used Nero before and it helped, maybe it will help this time. Why 3 movies did not play, and the others did is beyond me. Dan J

Downlaod a Free CD\DVD Burner Software here >> http://infrarecorder.sourceforge.net/?page_id=5 Hope this helps ======================= If you are having trouble with Newly bought items save your self from headaches by returning them and demand a replacement or a refund! You may have purchased a reconditioned\repaired\factory defect product.

CD\DVD BURNING Downlaod a Free CD\DVD Burner Software here >> http://infrarecorder.sourceforge.net/?page_id=5 Hope this helps ======================= If you are having trouble with Newly bought items save your self from headaches by returning them and demand a replacement or a refund! You may have purchased a reconditioned\repaired\factory defect product.

CD\DVD BURNING Downlaod a Free CD\DVD Burner Software here >> http://infrarecorder.sourceforge.net/?page_id=5 First Check the Data cables starting from the Motherboard then on the Drive Note on PIN1. It is suggested that a CD Drive should be slave to a Master HDD so set the Jumpers properly. Hope this helps =============================================== If you are having trouble with Newly bought items save your self from headaches by returning them and demand a replacement or a refund! You may have purchased a reconditioned\repaired\factory defect product.

The semaphore timeout period has expired refers to the fact that the driver is no longer communicating with the device and failed. Each time a CD Burner is setup for a CD Burning session the burner hardware will perform a 15 step power test to determine the OPC for a Blank Media Disc, OPC meaning Optimum Power Calibration. This test also takes place during the CD Burning process so the CD Burner can determine the best burn speed and method for the disc; this test is called 'Running Optimum Power Calibration'. Although the test is performed by the hardware of the CD Burner, the device initializes the CD Burning Software for the test to take place. This is one reason why your software may report the "Power Calibration Error" or ?Calibration Error Full?. With Power Calibration errors they can be caused by different factors and sometimes difficult to locate, especially if the errors are at random. Below are the known factors that will cause the Power Calibration Errors and how to check each factor, it is important that each point is considered if wanting to get to the bottom of the error. Power Calibration Errors can occur when OPC or ROPC tests for the media disc so the condition of the disc, brand of disc and even the firmware for the CD Burner can be the cause for the errors occurring. A device such as a CD Burners can have different problems if there is a power consumption issue with the system and the Power Calibration Error is just one of those problems. If using either an internal or external CD Burner make sure to disconnect all other devices, except the hard drive and Burner, before attempting to burn a disc. Double check all cables for any faults and if possible test with a 2nd Data Cable. It is also advisable to disconnect the power connection for the CD Burner and test with a spare connector. If you have no trouble with other discs, use them and put to one side the lightscribe, other than that try the burner in another pc or with other burning software, as you can see it's quite ridiculous what problems burners can create.

Go to yahoo and do a search for a firmware update putting in the model number of your recorder or visit manufacturer's website see if they have any firmware update available.