Why can't I burn CD's?

[zetec]

I have a Dell PC with a Samsung CD-R. I have used this for 3 years now, never with any problems. However, just lately it has refused to play any burnt CD's yet would still burn CD's. Until today, it has refused to burn any CD's. It will play a music CD or a game CD yet refuses to recognise, play or burn any blank or previously recorded CD?? I have tried a new batch and a new brand, but no joy.

Any ideas??

Please

[chriswright]

Have you tried cleaning it with one of those cleaning discs?

[zetec]

Yup, tried that. Had the thing out today and hoovered the whole PC, still doesn't want to know any blank or recorded CD

Thanks tho

[mcflurry]

A replacement writer is about £15, for a 3 year old unit I would personally get a new one...

[Neil_H]

They're dirt cheap now, you can get a DVD+-RW for under £30, I would just replace it and bin the old one.

[Pigeon]

chriswright said:

Have you tried cleaning it with one of those cleaning discs?

They don't work...

[Jinx]

Pigeon said:

They don't work...

Good tip - I have a dead CD player I feel like trying to heal tonight....