I have 2 DVD reader/writers. I am running windows xp professional with service pack 3. All is updated. My dvd drives will not write to dvds, only cds. I continue to get DCOM errors & just recently (after trying to install a different DVD drive & then unintstalling, I got an error that read that my service database is locked. Another error listed was "failed to lock service control manager". Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

You need to install Vista Service Pack 2 Minimum System Requirements:

• Microsoft® Windows 7 Home Premium (32- or 64-bit), Microsoft® Windows Vista™ Home Basic SP2, Windows® XP SP3 (32-bit) or SP2 (64-bit), 1 GHz processor and 512 MB RAM
• 1024x768 DirectX 9.0c compatible graphics card with at least 16-bit color setting, sound card, DVD-ROM drive
• 2 GB free hard drive space for installation
• Windows Media Player 10 or higher
• CD Writer for audio CD and DVD Writer for DVD
• Internet Explorer 7 and 8
• QuickTime player version 7.6 for some functionality
• One available USB 2.0 port

I can't guarantee this a solid solution, but it will solve many Windows issues. If your DVD Writer worked very recently, sometimes an update by (or installation of) another program other than a MS or Windows one can disrupt the registry settings for DVD writing.

1. Download Ccleaner Free File & Registry cleaner and run the cleaner and registry tools (seen on the left of the program window as icons with titles)

2. Reboot

3. Go to this link and run this Microsoft Auto Repair tool for DVDs.

http://support.microsoft.com/gp/cd_dvd_drive_problems

If your issue is not solved after that, go to the device manager and try updating the DVD driver. While you're there, jot down the exact name of your DVD drive so you can check further on online blogs dealing with your exact laptop and its problem.

Best Wishes

What software do u use to write DVDs on both PCs...
if they are different then that may be the issue....
dont spoil the DVDs....
try DVD RW disks...that way you can erase them later...
i too have the same DVD writer, not had any issue in either XP or Win7....i have dual boot and have made many movie DVDs using both OS...i use Nero and Power2Go of LG(the install disk that came with the LG DVD writer has this great software...."LG Power tool")
try this tool...it should work...

the inbuilt DVD creator in Win7 has some issues with DVD creation....due to non compatibility of graphics card and display drivers (WDDM)....+ you may not have the correct codec required to burn DVDs.....
get the FFDSHOW codec from google.... and install it...shutdown and restart and then try...
let me have a feedback pls...
reg

There might be a driver problem or motherboard problem just update your drivers!

You can use unetbootin. It's very easy and self-explanatory to use.

Sorry to say, but a CD drive cannot read DVD's. You need a DVD reader. Thus, the CD drive will not recognize DVD media and tell you no valid disc is in the drive. I recommend buying a DVD RW (reader/writer), as they are inexpensive and enable you to burn DVDs as well as read them.

on the back of the hardware are jumpers
mine are located next to where the ribbon plugs in
there are 3 jumpers- like this : : :
the jumper must be on "cable" ( printed above post )
just move the jumper and reinstall
Now xp can find the 10401
I did it...it works

It could be the DVD and maybe there is no drive on Windows for this DVD. You might have to use third party software.
If they did not send the drive in to Microsoft for the DVD then it is not there.

You seem to have a related problem, you can't burn cd's and you cannot install windows without an error. Either your hard drive has a bad sector where it keeps trying to write the data or your dvd drive has a reading error. Firstly check your hard drive for errors, right click on your 'c' drive and down to properties, then click on tools tab, then error checking. This can take quite a while, so be patient. Secondly, there have been numerous updates from Nero especially related to Service Pack 2 so download the latest updates from their 'Ahead Nero' website, they are free as you are'nt upgrading just updating. Your ratings are important

go to My computer right click on cd drive properties - check digital cd playback recording - check enable cd recording on this drive Good luck!