I have a "GENERIC DVD RW 4XMax". It reads cds, burns cds. does not read dvds, likewise does not burn dvds I have: updated the firmware. updated the driver DnR everything that it could possible have used. windows does not read dvds from this drive. I use nero to burn. any suggestions???

You may just have a bad drive. You could try Download Guided Help. It is a 127KB program.Just run it and follow instructions. Scroll down the page until you come to the rectangle shaped box.. 'Download Guided Help' http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314...

4X drive indicates the age of the drive. I assume the drive did work with DVDs at one point? There are TWO lasers in your drive. The one for DVDs is probably burned out. On a side note. Your specs may seem cute to you "CPU/Ram: enough" but any information pertaining to your issue may be important. Obviously you don't know what is wrong or you wouldn't be here asking. How can you assume this info may not be useful?

Try using blank DVDs rated at a maximum of 4x or less. You are probably trying to use something rated faster. I have found that even with firmware upgrades AND forcing the write speed down(slower) to match the write speed of older drives that sometimes it just does not work and you have to get slower rated media, or a new drive.

The maximum speed rating of the media is totally irrelevant - that's an upper limit, and is not a consideration when using a slower drive As has been stated, most likely a bad drive due to failed or dirty DVD laser or lens (and yes, the specs fields are not meant for comedy improv - it's not much to ask that they be filled out correctly) Censorship is the tool of those who have the need to hide actualities from themselves and others. Their fear is only their inability to face what is real.

jboy What I was referring to is the age of the optical drive. 4x is an older drive. More likely to have a dirty or bad laser.

"(and yes, the specs fields are not meant for comedy improv - it's not much to ask that they be filled out correctly) Censorship is the tool of those who have the need to hide actualities from themselves and others. Their fear is only their inability to face what is real." Oh The IRONY! anyway. I suspect a dirty lens. I should refine my question to. Other than the old rubbing liquor, does anyone know a good way to clean? a brand of cleaner or a device (like one of those cd felt thingies)?