Ricoh Dvd+rw Mp5240a

On my Hp Pavillion I have A Ricoh DVD/CD re-writer but recently I've had some problems with the system and need to restore the entire system, I've a great deal of files that i need to back up but everytime I put a dvd in the drive the type(as shown in "my computer" changes to cd drive and displays that there is no disc in the tray. If i put a pre-recorded dvd in, somehow it works.

I've re-installed the drive but to no avail. I've also run PC Doctor and the following faults have shown:
CD Linear seek
CD Funnel seek
CD Surface scan
Reads and Writes to the drive DW529-1

Can anyone help as I am pulling my hair out with this.

(^~;?(Although such a thing is not seldom the case, but what we can do is very limited.)

At most, cleaning the head by cleaner disk or directly wipe the lense by isopropyl alcohol, rewriting firmware if available.

Thanks very much , I'll give it a go, but I've been experiencing loads of problems with my pc so I'm going to have to format and re-install the whole thing.
thanks aain

Same problem on my HP Pavillon Media-center.
Ricoh works +/- fine on CD +R/+RW and DVD +RW but DVD+R appears as no disk with most of systems but a few such as Arcshoft Showbiz
No help from HP France, no solution found up to now, no more hair to pull out...
I just confirm other users are concerned and it's not a matter of cleaning something.

The solution is quite simple. Use - discs instead of + blanks. - is a superior quality (more compatible in home DVD players) anyhow. Also, use Ritek (Ridata) DVD-R'z. Simply go to www.newegg.com and order from there. I've always been satisfied with their product. If you INSIST on going + instead, then use Ritek (Ridata) DVD+R from www.newegg.com as well. Had the same problem with this writer and this solved the problem...but decided not to use + DVDz.....problem disappeared....but I only use Ritek (Ridata). Just remember. BRAND MATTERZ!

On another note...I NEVER use factory software...EVER. They just don't cut the mustard...and end up causing more problems than are necessary. Here are the best applications to use:

For Data & Music CD/DVD Writing: Nero Ultra
For Image Burning: Alcohol 120%

Use the two methods together, and you should have NO problems. If you are doing more than what I listed above (as far as what you are using your burner for), let me know, as I use particular software for each task. I just listed the two most popular (best).


DarknessDreamer