The recorder will not record on a brand new

Yes,
In the Disc Management options you should have the option to change whether disc protection is on or off.

Also, if you have one of the double-sided discs - they look like large computer floppy discs and can be inserted either way up into the machine - some of these have a "write protect" tab just like a floppy disc. Check to see if yours has one and whether it is set in the protect position.