(More on this... see post above)

Still having the same issue with CD-R discs. Had a chance to test DVD+R discs and fared similarly: a window pops up with an indication that it's preparing to write; and it hangs there (I have to reboot before I try again, because the device seems to lock up). This was trying to write a simple 14 MB file to a dvd. Unfortunately I don't have the option, with a DVD, to play with DAO settings.

Any ideas? I'm pretty much pulling my hair out over this...