Computer Help, Please

7/1/05 | Asphalt

[Asphalt]

Today I was going to make a backup so I took a CD-RW, put it in the CD Drive, and copied the folder I wanted to write to the CD. When I clicked the 'copy this folder to CD' button it launched the wizard like normal. Then I named it, but then on the next box it said 'There is no disk in drive. Please insert a writeable disk into Drive D:\'

I don't know what the deal is. The computer read the disk, I could view folders on the disk, but it won't write CDs. Anyone have a clue what's going on?

[Keith in Iowa]

It could be that the CDR media you're trying to use is not compatible with your drive.

[hiredhand]

Try to "quick format" the CD-RW. If you can't, it might have failed. They all fail eventually.

[Asphalt]

Except that a few days ago I made a backup of a program. It just happened today.

[Asphalt]

But I've only had the computer for about 5 or 6 months.

[bwteim]

Try a new CD-RW (disc).

[hobson]

Did you previously close the cd? You can't write to a closed cd.

[Asphalt]

I was using a brand-new disk

[Asphalt]

no, I didn't

[tje]

Personally, I wouldn't waste time with CD-RW media. Not worth the expense. I just use CD-R as I'm never going to write over it....

Some writeable optical drives are persnickety about the media you feed them. I suspect that's what you've encountered..

tje

[bwteim]

How could it be a brand-new disk?
You wrote - it had folders:
"I could view folders on the disk"

[hobson]

Can you read a CD from that drive?

[Asphalt]

two days old with one file on it. I've tried brand-new, never-been-used disks as well.

[Redcloak]

Take the CD-RW out of the drive and use it the way it was intended: As a drink coaster.

Once your liquid refreshment is properly placed on the coaster, insert a CD-R into the drive and start over. CD-RW discs aren't worth the money. Are you really going to re-write to the disc? Just use CD-Rs instead. You'll save money on discs and Advil.

[Asphalt]

yeah.

[Asphalt]

But I don't want to be constantly buying new CDs. I can take a five-month old backup this way, and use it for a new backup without wasting money.

[Asphalt]

Actually, I do re-use them.

[bwteim]

Go with a shrink-wrapped CD-R (remove the plastic first). If that works, then you have a problem with the CD-RWs.

[Redcloak]

CD-Rs are cheap; about half the cost of CD-RWs.

[hobson]

Do you have more than one CD drive on the machine? Is the CDR on drive D:?