Samsung DVD-VR330 unit will not accept a brand new blank DVD-RW disc---machine says 'load' for 20 seconds, before saying 'open', which it does.

The VR330 has several problems similar to this, and some can be "fixed" by unplugging the unit and let it set for anywhere form 5 mins to several days.
I think the control software gets messed up.

I had 3 - one wouldn't play a "video" movie, another would record RAM, and another wouldn't do DVD-R/RW.
Surprisingly one day I accidentally put a DVD-RAM with recordings on it and the unit accepted the RAM. The disk had been protected on another device.
On that particular unit I had neglected to set the time which was at factory 2006, so I left it there.

Hello
Just try to downlaod the service manual to your set from internet.

HI Not fixed yet but reading some of the answers that appear to be very common I am going to try a dvd cleaner on the machine so hope it works
thanks for tue info
crawfordj939

check the disc in your PC if this finds it as a blank dvd then possible play head error.

Use a DVD+/-RW and use Imageburn to full erase then try this one in the recorder this may work if not a possible motor failure on the spindle

You may have a dirty lens on the DVD read head. There are CD/DVD cleaning kits available at some drug stores and electronic stores. Do not get a "CD cleaning kit" (that only cleans the discs), get a "CD/DVD lens cleaning kit" (it will have a special CD and cleaning solution) for $10 to $20.
If that's not it the DVD illumination LED may be dead. If it still plays CDs, but won't play DVDs, that's the problem. There are separate LEDs for playing CDs and DVDs.
Either way, if the cleaning doesn't work, it has to be fixed in an electronics shop.

Assuming that it has worked in the past have you changed the types of blank DVD? Not all discs are the same and many machines are very fussy about what types of disc that they will accept.

If this is not the problem then try some more discs – sometimes they are faulty.

Try cleaning the unit with a DVD Cleaning Disc. Run it twice to be sure.

If none of these work then you will need to get the unit serviced or replaced.

If exact model is Samsung DVD-VR357, than it doesn't even has to recognise blank disc as your unit is DVD PLAYER with Video Casette Recorder.

See Specs. for your unit below:
Function Combination VCR Y Compatibility Playback Media DVD-R,DVD-RW,DVD+R,DVD+RW,CD-R/RW,CD,VHS, DVD-RAM Playback Formats MP3, WMA, JPEG, MPEG-4, DivX A/V Quality Progressive Scan Y HD Upconversion 720p/1080i Digital-to-Analog Converter 10-Bit/54MHz DTS Output Y Dolby Digital Surround Sound Y Connectivity HDMI CEC Y Convenience Child Protection Parental Control Physical Features Connectivity HDMI Output Y Component Video Output 1(Rear) S-Video Output 1(Rear) Composite Video Output 1(Rear) Coaxial Digital Audio Outputs 1(Rear) Optical Audio Output 1(Rear) Product Weight & Dimensions Dimension 16.9" x 3.1" x 11" Weight 8.8Lbs. Shipment Weight & Dimensions Dimension 20.2" x 7.1" x 15.1" Weight 12.1Lbs.

Closest model match for DVD recording unit would be DVD-VR375

Unfortunately you have player only and you won't be able to recor DVDs with it whatsoever.

Good luck

It sounds like the Laser went out. Buy a new dvd player

I have got exactly the same problem. Thought I had found some discs that worked as the first one formatted, since then all have come up with that crappy error protection message. Samsung really should sort this out.

Hello, First be sure your using the correct disc DVD+ or DVD- RW etc.

I would recomend using high quality discs as players/recorders are very picky about cheap media. Try using Imation name brand discs. They read well in most anything. If it has worked fine & then started having this problem I would first check to see if your using the same discs that have always worked with it & if so then you may want to open the unit & clean the laser lens with a cotton swab lightly soaked in rubbing alcohol. Especially if it has been smoked around or is in a dusty environment.