dvd writer's gone daft!

Supermarket discs?
Glad I'm not the one entrust my data to them
I'm working my way through Bulkpaq ones at the moment as they use a reliable dye but due to the cheapness of them have to accept the odd disk where you can see the dye doesn't cover the whole disc to the edge so has reduced capacity. If you want quality Verbatim are widely available and fairly consistent. The cream at the top of DVD recordable media has always been Taiyo Yuden though.

Actually due the the ? over DVD dye types still and untested life spans I still use CDs for more important archive data

Forget checking recordable info for DVDs in XP as there is no support in the OS. The only time that you'll see info there is if you're using 3rd party packet writing software (such as InCD which comes with some versions of Nero software)

From what you're describing it suggests two things as a likely cause but a third possible. I'll put them in ascending order of probability because it'll be easier, and cheaper to test that way. Note the first and least likely option is more probable, but still less likely than the other two, if you have other DVD writing capable software on the machine. This includes software such as Norton 360, iTunes, etc which have writing ability but are not outright burning software.

1. Nero aspi layer corrupt - Remove and reinstall the software. Personally I suspect it'll still have the same fault because normally it'd knock out CD writing as well but it's a simple, no cost option and it might fix it.

2. Dye type variable across the batch - Try a more reliable brand. This normally isn't as much as an issue as it used to be but is still a fairly noticeable factor especially as DVD drives age and the lasers start failing or getting dirty. Leading to...

3. DVD laser issue - Either due to dirt (normally shows up when writing first, then reading recordable media, then factory pressed discs) or just due to the laser starting to fail on the drive. Trying to clean the drive with a cleaning CD might help but results can vary (don't use a compressed air can as you can just as easily cause damage with these if you don't know what you're doing). Chances are if this fails your drive is on it's way out.

As a last resort you could try a firmware update to the drive but I'm not going to search for one for you for two reasons:

1. It has worked with your media before and firmware updates normally help with media that has never worked or been unreliable at best.

2. If the firmware update doesn't take properly you more than likely will end up with a completely dead drive, even manufacturer's sites will say run at own risk. I'm not being responsible for that when I think it has scant chance of fixing the issue

After you have uninstalled Nero, go to the Nero website (http://www.nero.com/enu/support-olderproducts.html) From the link, choose the version of Nero you have and click on Tools & Utilities. Download the Nero CleanTool program, install and then use to remove all traces of the software for a fresh installation.

Anna Elite Vids. ::: .EliteTV Vids. ::: .Kylie Tyler Nights Vid. ::: .Last Danica vid. ::: .Lolly/Paige 2-4-1. ::: .Last Paige Vid. ::: .Fernanda NightShow 1 ,2 ,3 ,4 ::: .Elite-Fancy Footwork. ::: .Elite-Freaky Like Me. ::: .Elite-It's Like That. ::: . *Evelyn Highlights Vid 1,2* ::: .My video bam Vids.

to add to reds answer. media type: dvd+rw in a -rw drive will also show as unwritable and vise-versa.
wrong speed disks x16 writable in a x8 drive can cause problems.
using lightscribe disks can also cause problems as there slightly thiker than normal disks due to the coating on the back, this can fool some drives into thinking there not writables(firmware often fixes this issue).
a couple of brands i have used with no problems: datawrite titanium and datasafe. both cost about 7 pounds for 25 disks.

cheers guys,
unfortunately none of these worked. i fear i may have to buy a new one. for now i'm going to store all my stuff on cds - while they stll work
didn't try the firmware thing - ancient updates and nasty warnings put an end to that

again, thanks for taking an interest

btw, will i need a whole new tower or just the dvd bit?

On a standard tower you can just fit a drive.
I say this with caution however as I know some of the older eMachines had non-standard fascia panels in front of the drives meaning you might have issues with the eject button or tray access unless you remove the plastic fascia.

Having said that I'm not adverse to gutting machines apart as I know what I'm doing and the risks involved opening the case. A drive swap for me would be a simple 2 minute job as long as the drive is easily accessible in the chassis.

Get me a model number and I might be able to supply more details about how difficult it might be

it just says 5230 ( i know its old but i am poor and frankly, apart from this setback, it has, and does, work flawlessly)
any sort of warranty is a distant memory so i have no qualms about a bit of frankensteining
any help would be greatly appreciated
sorry and all that but i am staggeringly bad at maintenance beyond system restore and a quick defragmenting session

Fairly standard mini tower case of the era
Only issue likely to have is the new drive will be recessed slightly behind the plastic fascia because it doesn't have the custom plastic on the front

eMachine 5230

tremendous degree of help from each and every one of you
so, to stevesworld, skateguy, josh and hexit a huge thank you
and to red ('cos he gave me a picture to follow too) your knowledge and support has been invaluable
now, how do i go about repping you all?

many thanks again for your time and effort

Me also m8 mine is gone to dogs bollox