DVD/CD shows to be working but will not recognize a CD when placed in the drive

Here are some things you can try:
1.- The DVD /-R "standard" is not really a "standard". Not all drives recognize all brands of writable DVD's. Go to your DVD drive manufacturer website and see what brands of writable DVD's he recommends and/or update your firmware. May read only or - DVDs.

2.- Sometimes there might be a software glich somewhere. Uninstall all your DVD burning software (nero and roxio require special registry tools to be completely removed which can you find on their home pages or on the net), reboot, and reinstall your DVD drive driver. Reboot again and install ONE of burning software program (you can also try putting in a blank dvd before having any burning software installed to see if you get a pop-up window from windows asking what to do next). Some peole claim that there can be conflicts if you use two burning software programs at the same time (like nero roxio).

3.- It could be a hardware hookup problem. This can be the case if your computer is new, you can read normal DVD's, and you have never tried to burn blank dvd's before. Open up your computer box and check the DVD hookups. Do you have more than one CD/DVD drive?. Which is the master/slave?. Does this mach what windows reports?. Are the IDE switches correct?. Unhook the DVD drive and other drives and redo the motherboard-drive connection yourself. Check that all the pins align how they are supposed to, etc. It is allways a good idea to have the DVD /-R to be a master drive and to leave the other CD drives on the side while testing. If you feel unconfortable moving cables around -don't be- search the net for detailed instructions on this till you feel confortable enough to do it.

4.- Your DVD drive could be broken. Get hold of a friends computer and try to install it there. Does it work?. If it doesn't you should be able to get it replaced by the people who sold it to you.

5.- There might be a serious software or even a motherboard problem. Get a hold of a friends DVD drive that works for him and try to install it in your computer. Can you get it to work?. If you can consider replacing your DVD drive by one similar to your friends. If you can't check and recheck your botherboard settings and try swiching out the IDE cables with your friends. Condider upgrading your motherboard BIOS (this may void your waranty) or even reinstalling windows (backup your data first!)