Unable to record, fails after 27% preparing disk

When this happens to me I usually solve it by taking the disk to the PC and letting Nero or some other app format it a few times with the quick format, and then once with the long one. If that doesn't work you still maybe able to use the disk on the PC but not the recorder (you can look at the under side of the disk and see the area thats not formating properly is a different color). My biggest problems are with Memorex disks doing this, they're junk. Pick a brand like Verbatim, I rarely have problems with them, and if they cost more so what, I don't save money with disks that will not work. Avoid Sony at all cost.