I know this drive has been touched upon in other threads, but I have not found any with my specific problem. I cannot burn audio CD's. I have no problems playing audio CD's, nor do I have any issues burning or playing DVD's. Its just when I try to burn an audio CD do I have issues. When I try to burn the CD, the whole program will lock up, and the disc won't eject. I end up having to do a hard reboot just to get the drive to eject. Because of this, I haven't the first clue if there are any log files of this.
I usually use Nero 7 Ultra Edition, version 7.0.1.2. I have also tried to burn an audio CD using Windows Media Player 10, and Windows Media Center Edition Version 2002. I have tried uninstalling the driver and reinstalling it. I have uninstalled the drive itself and reinstalled it. I have even done a dirty reinstall of Windows. I use a Dell E510, using Dell BIOS A07, and running, as I mentioned, WinXP MCE Version 2002.
Could this be caused by a dirty laser? I am completely stumped. Any help you provide would be greatly appreciated. And if this issue HAS been covered in another thread, my apologies for missing it. Thanks again.

Use Burrrn.

Not to doubt you, or sound rude, but I think I'm at the point where a different program isn't going to work. If the three or four that I have on my computer don't work, what difference is another one going to make? However, I could be wrong. I'll try it and let you know what happens.
My biggest question is whether this could be a dirty laser issue, or an issue where the laser that burns CD's is going out. Thank you for the reply. I do appreciate it.

Start up in SAFE mode and try your luck.

I downloaded Burrn, started in SAFE mode, and tried my luck. The whole computer locked up. I had to restart to get the tray to open so I could get the CD back out. Any other suggestions? I'm all ears (or eyes, as the case may be). Thanks in advance.

I would test the burner in another computer then.

I'm not sure, but the posters above are probably like me.
The CDROM came with their computers so how can we "test the burner in another computer"?
I have similar issues with this CDROM except it will recogize some cd's and not others. It doesn't matter if they are bought ones or ones I've recorded, on most it just acts as though there is nothing there.
It worked fine at first and started this suddenly.

tmrice1,

A knowledge and informed Forum Member is attempting to make to the troubleshooting effort as simple as possible.

Installing the suspect Drive in another Computer is a simple task and will quickly and effectively determine if the suspect Drive is in fact defective or not.

The other alternative is a lengthy process of determining if the problem is a Hardware or Software problem.

It is much simper and quicker to install the suspect Drive in another Computer and see if it is defective instead of attempting to jump through hoops in an long drawn out effort to figure out what the Hardware and/or Software problem might be.

Also it is difficulty through a Web Forum to direct a novice in effectively troubleshooting Hardware and Software deficiencies because quite frankly the novice usually provides incorrect, conflicting, and/or missing information during the troubleshooting evolution.

Now do you understand why Forum Member _chef_ is suggesting Forum Member slycer_2000 to install his Drive in another Computer or do I need to provide other compelling reasons why Component Substation is a valid troubleshooting procedure?

Regards,
bjkg

Hi Ya
I have exactly the same prob for weeks now - tried all above. From whati read here and in/on other forums/sites, it would appear to be a common flaw in Dell's burner.
Have you had any joy since your post ? (oh and if bjkg spots this, please don't reply-you are way too experienced for us - and i'm using computers since first BBC came out....) thanks

This burner is from LG! The firmware is crippled and from Dell.

Many thanks Chef. Cheers