How can I tell if my cd burner is broken?

Question

I have an HP Pavilion notebook with an "HL-DT-ST DVD+RW GCA-4040N" drive. This is the drive I use to play games, watch DVDs, and "used to" burn CDs. It worked a few months ago. I used to use "Imation" brand cds, until it quit working. I've also tried "Memorex" and "Dynex", but they've never worked. Anytime I try to burn a cd now, "Roxio Creator Classic" freezes for seven minutes then ejects the disc. Itunes also spits the disc out. I'm sure the discs are empty, I'm even using the discs from the same package as the one's that did work.

Answer 1

Well Dave, I don't have the type of computer you have but I think I can shed some light on your problem.

I have an HP Pavilion with Lightscribe. I was labelling disks after burning music via Rhapsody and everything was hunky-dory until last week when the system suddenly stopped recognizing my CD-R media.

I did all the basic problem solving and still cannot burn music. Then, while running a diagnostic (in which all CD tests passed and DVD tests failed) I discovered that I can record to CD-RW media. Talk about puzzling.

Anyway, I was talking to several people and they ALL have told me that it is a common occurrance no matter what brand of computer or media is involved, burners go bad. I found that to replace mine would cost $60. I don't have a problem with that.

I also tried a suggestion but it didn't work out. I was told that I could go to the HP website to download drivers but I keep getting a message stating that my computer doesn't have the system requirements. I'm dealing with this and I'm not at the point where I feel that it needs to be replaced.

I hope this info has helped.

Answer 2

I'd say that's pretty good evidence that it's broken. If you replace it with a new one, and it works, that proves it. Fortunately, CD burners are not expensive these days.

Answer 3

well the tray opens cuz the power suppy is connected and try to reinstall the drive's drivers