CD Reading/Writing Problems

[Stil]

Howdy

I'm using a 'MATSHITA DVD-R - UJ-875' in my iMac, and recently I've been having problems reading and writing using the drive.

When reading the disc i insert it and it spits it out a few seconds later with no error but acts as if it cannot read it. After a few more attempts of reinserting the disc it eventually reads it successfully and i can use it without any problems.

As for burning, no matter what i burn it gets to roughly 60-80% and then decides it cannot burn anymore, and shows an error saying something is wrong (can't remember what exactly) then spits the disc out. This happens for any and all software I've used, including iTunes.

I read somewhere that cleaning a DVD-R drive with cleaning discs can potentially damage the drive so I'm a bit apprehensive to try.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[ChrisMBP]

Have you tried using different brands?

My macbook used to give me similar issues and it turned out to be the cheap dvd brand I was using

 

[chscag]

Cleaning the drive will not damage it provided you buy a kit that's specifically designed for that purpose. Stores which stock computer accessories will probably have a cleaning kit. Sometimes cleaning works, sometimes it doesn't, but it's worth a try.

Also, as you've been advised, try another brand of media. If cleaning and changing media brand doesn't work, it's possible the drive may be failing and will have to be replaced.

Regards.