topic My sony vaio model PCG-K315B will not recognise blank DVDs in PCs & Accessories

My sony vaio model PCG-K315B will not recognise blank DVDs

RedCosh — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 16:07:22 GMT

The disc drive is a Sony DVD RW DW-U56A. when I put in either blank +R, -R,+RW,or _RW disc it doesnt recognise it -it asks me to put in a disc! I have installed Nero InCd but I assume one of the programmes installed initially from Sony should work. This is a second hand notebook with XP home edition. Any help/advice would be welcome. Thanks

My sony vaio model PCG-K315B will not recognise blank DVDs

Blencogo — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 19:21:34 GMT

Does it recognise CDs or pre-recorded DVDs?

Are there any error messages against the drive in Device Manager?

Does the laser head inside the drive slide for the full length of its travel? Check the ribbon cable to the head is not catching on the head.

Unfortunately, the most likely cause is a hardware fault.

My sony vaio model PCG-K315B will not recognise blank DVDs

RedCosh — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 21:01:41 GMT

Thanks Blencogo for your reply

Yes the drive seems to work OK with recorded CDs & DVDs.

Device manager says there is no problem.

How do I check the laser head movement -I can't move it by hand.

I'm going out now so I'll not read any more till tomorrow --Thanks

My sony vaio model PCG-K315B will not recognise blank DVDs

Blencogo — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 20:57:17 GMT

As there is no firmware update for your drive and it plays CD & DVD, I think you may need to replace the drive or buy a cheap external USB burner like these:-

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=dvd+rw+usb&tag=googhydr-21&index=aps&hvadid=6372469446&ref=pd_sl_2suq8eg862_b

EDIT: I understand you have sorted the problem with TDK Discs. Well Done!!

Message was edited by: Blencogo