sony dvd rewriter not working

[ace63]

my sony dvd rewriter was working like a dream up until recently when for some reason it would give the message "please insert blank disc" or no disc inserted. it will not recognise any type of disc put into the drawer. i dont want to take it for repair yet as i cannot save my files onto discs because of the problem. does any body out there have a solution that saves me losing all my work.

[Ethel]

Assuming you are using Windows XP - check the drivers and dvd is working properly -

Start - My Computer - View System Information - Device Manager - DVD drive

Click 'troubleshoot'.

If you are still having problems, click the 'driver' tab and look for updates.

If your pc is out of warranty it may be cheaper to replace the dvd than get it repaired.

[ace63]

tnx ethel. i will try that.

[ACtheTROLL]

why will you lose your work?
the repair guy shouldn't go near your HDD

yes you are wise to backup ... but HDDs are far more reliable than DVDs

how about getting a memory key? (two backups are always better than one) - and 1Gb shouldn't cost more than �10-15

back to the dvd
if no joy with what E says
(if the drivers are corrupt - you won't)
right click my computer | properties | hardware | device manager first ....
find the DVD - delete the device (don't worry)
then from the menu
Action | scan for hardware changes

see what happens

the other option is that the writer is burned out (read/write are two seperate "heads"

how old? ... can you return it?