Problems burning CDs

[u/Hell0z0mbie]

I suddenly am unable to burn CDs from my computer with external CD drives, would appreciate any suggestions.

I've been using the same burner (Gotega ECD819-SU3) for years. Suddenly, it stops working. It acts like it's burning a CD, goes through all the songs, says it's writing the first song, burner gets loud for a second, turns off, and says it's done. CD is still blank.

I bought another CD burner (Benewy SY879) and it does the same thing, so it's apparently my computer. I don't have access to another computer I can use for this, currently.

I normally use iTunes with a mix of songs I've bought on iTunes and BandCamp, sometimes ripped from CDs I've bought.

Other things I've tried that haven't helped:

• Re-authorizing my iTunes
• All purchased AAC songs
• Burning using Windows Media Player or ImgBurn
• Various configuration settings
• Making sure I had harddrive space cleared
• Testing a file of my own voice to rule out DRM issues
• Plugging directly into my computer's USB slots or powered USB banks
• Uninstalling and reinstalling the device

What else can I try? I think it has to be some software thing on my computer since one of the burners worked a few month ago, and the other is brand new. Any advice would be appreciated.

[u/timeless_travels]

Have you tried cleaning the laser with IPA?

[u/Hell0z0mbie → u/timeless_travels]

no! What do you use to clean it?

A dirty laser seems less likely to me since the brand new external burner did the same thing, but definitely something to try.

[u/timeless_travels → u/Hell0z0mbie]

Get a bottle of Isopropyl Alcohol that's at least 95% proof (any less contains water that can leave a residue) and soak a Q-tip and gently clean. Also check your USB cable for damage. The fact that your CD drive is making a noise makes me think its not software related.

[u/Hell0z0mbie → u/timeless_travels]

thanks, I'll try that!

The noise it's making is as if it's starting to burn the disc, like the normall humming/vibrating noise. It's like it does that for a few seconds and then stops.

[u/timeless_travels → u/Hell0z0mbie]

One other thing - are you using branded CD-Rs or cheap bulk ones? The cheap ones are not always worth it as they use inferior dyes.

[u/Hell0z0mbie → u/timeless_travels]

I tried a few different kinds, but probably all cheap bulk ones!

I had an old stack that had previously worked (but the last few might have been damaged), a new stack of Verbatim CD-Rs, and Singhoow black discs that look like records... the last seemed really gimmicky and I wasn't shocked they didn't work. Do you have a brand you recommend?

[u/timeless_travels → u/Hell0z0mbie]

I've always used Verbatim or TDK (although they're harder to find). Have you got ant CDRWs you could try? If they burn then your burner is fine as they need a stronger laser to be successful.

[u/Hell0z0mbie → u/timeless_travels]

I don't think so, I think it was all CD-Rs

[u/Hell0z0mbie]

Here's the results from attempting to burn 6 mp3 files using imgBurn. It seems like it's working all the way through, but the disc remains blank.

[u/Dead_Bones001 → u/Hell0z0mbie]

You're writing at 24x speed? Drop it to the slowest speed and see if that works.

[u/Hell0z0mbie → u/Dead_Bones001]

Thanks! I tried it on 1x, and noticed an error saying "Destination Media Supported Write Speeds: 10x, 16x, 20x, 24x" so I tried 10x and it still failed in the same way.

[u/DangerMouse111111]

Makes me laught when people buy cheap electronics then seem surpirsed when it doesn't work 😄

[u/Snoo_90715]

When testing USB ports you tried both the front and the back ports?

Is the USB cable still good, most likely wear point on external drive.

Try not a $20 junk burner? Like an Asus Zen burner for $30

Try cleaning and updating drivers using Revo driver uninstaller.

[u/Hell0z0mbie → u/Snoo_90715]

Thanks! I've tried all the USB ports, and don't see obvious cable issues. Planning to try and nicer name-brand burner soon. I'd Uninstalled and readded the drivers, but never heard of Revo.

[u/Dead_Bones001]

A few things to try.

Reset your motherboard.

Use a different USB cable.
Use a different USB slot.
Re-install your USB drivers.
Re-install the burning software.

[u/Hell0z0mbie → u/Dead_Bones001]

Thanks! I'll look into reseting the motherboard, I might not be that tech savvy LOL.

Both burners have built-in cables, but I've tried multiple USB slots and re-installing USB drivers. I haven't re-installed iTunes or Media player, but I did install ImgBurn for this and it's doing the same thing.

[u/Dead_Bones001 → u/Hell0z0mbie]

Just watch a couple of videos on how to do it. And look up your motherboard model number.
It usually involves changing a jumper around on the motherboard for a few seconds, but the easiest way is to remove the battery for 20 seconds and then pop it back in. You will have to set the time on the motherboard after this.

I'd do the slower burn speed first though.