Hello, my first visit here, and of course, I have a problem, and I am pretty sure it is software related.

After installing a DVD conversion software, FreeDVD creator v2, I seem to have lost the ability to use my DVD writer, as it comes up with the following message, BUT only when a Blank CD or DVD is in the drive.
If I put a DVD or CD, with data, in the the drive, it works normally.

I have uninstalled the software, but the problem remains. I have read various things about similar problems, which indicate that after uninstalling, some things may be left on the system, that can still interfere, and cause the same problem.

I have another computer, and can use the blank DVD in that machine, and once written to, I am then able to put that same DVD on my machine, and the drive is then recognised.

Any ideas for me to try?

Hi ABCDiamond,

Welcome to PCHF. We have a super team of talented techs here, as well as a friendly, helpful and experienced user community. I am sure that we will be able to help you figure this out.

Did you have a similar software installed prior to this one? If so, can you please post what it is/was?

Are all of your updates current? Can you please post your system specs just so we know what we are working with?

Can you please download CCleaner from my signature, and install it. Please download CCleaner, when installing it, make sure to deselect the Yahoo toolbar, unless you want it.

Run CCleaner, and click on all visible boxes. Next click on Options, then Advanced, and deselect Only delete files Older than 48 Hours, go back to the Cleaner.

If you want to be able to see what is going to be cleaned, click on Analyze, then Run Cleaner. If you aren't concerned about what is removed, just click Run Cleaner, depending on how much junk you have, this could take a while.

Rerun the cleaner, until no further items occur, or the same items return repeatedly; if they are logs, such as Zone Alarm logs, you can disregard them. If you do not recognize them, please post them back here, as they may need to be manually removed. (Some malware can lock itself so that it cannot be removed with a program.)

Next, click on Registry, and select all options. Click on Scan for Issues, then when it has finished, click on Fix Selected Issues, when it wants to create a backup file first allow it and name it today's date, saving it to a location you can find easily. Then click, Fix All Selected Issues in the box that pops up on the screen. Next shut your computer off, don't just restart, and then restart the PC. Hopefully that will remove any residual files that may be keeping you from getting your burning capabilities back.

Looking forward to your reply,

TTFN

LGW

This article that DCiAdmin posted a link to here a while ago may be of some help in getting your dvd drive back.

Check the MS help links and you should be able to fix the problem if you follow them to the letter...

Thanks for the reply, I will download and do that lot now, and post the resulting info later...

I didn't have any of that software before, as this is a reasonably new machine. New XP install on May 18, 2009.

I needed software to convert an AVI file to DVD format, so rightly or wrongly, I selected "FreeDVD creator v2". Converted the file OK, but then couldn't burn it on my machine!
But I had been using the burner before, with Nero 8, which came with the computer, and had no problems.

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately that link doesn't work for me.

Me either Arctos. Please could you re-post the link for ABCDiamond, thanks.

I ran Windows Auto update, which did a few things, but didn't fix the problem.

I then ran ccleaner, and deleted everything it recommended, and the "Drive is not accessible. Incorrect function" message has gone.

I still get a weird message when I put a blank CD or DVD in the drive, saying "please insert a disk into drive", even though I just put one in, but I may be able to live with that as Nero now recognises it again.

Not sure about "FreeDVD creator v2", as I deleted it earlier, and am not sure about re-installing, although at least I know I can fix it again

However I do need something to convert avi to DVD format for the TV.


My System Information
CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 QuadCPU Q8200@ 2.33GHz
Motherboard: Intel (DQ45CB)
Mem: 2027mb
HDD: 698gb (ST3750330AS)
Video: NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GT
Sound: SoundMAX Integrated Digital HD Audio
OS: Microsoft Windows XP (2600)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
ISP: aanet.com.au 1512/256
DVD: ASUS Lightscribe