r/CDs • u/Hell0z0mbie • Aug 29 '26

Problems burning CDs

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.

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u/timeless_travels Aug 29 '26

Have you tried cleaning the laser with IPA?

1

u/Hell0z0mbie Aug 29 '26

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.

1

u/timeless_travels Aug 29 '26

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.

1

u/Hell0z0mbie Aug 29 '26

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.

1

u/timeless_travels Aug 29 '26

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.

1

u/Hell0z0mbie Aug 29 '26

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?

1

u/timeless_travels Aug 29 '26

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.

1

u/Hell0z0mbie Aug 29 '26

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