I/O Magic DVD Burner Not Burning?!?

Good Morning Everyone,

First things first. I am a very experienced user who is just now getting into the DVD realm. Over the holiday weekend I picked up the I/O Magic drive from CompUSA. Not exactly sure what model it is, but it is the Dual Drive (DVD-R(W), DVD+R(W)).

I am one of those better safe than sorry type of guys, so I have been experimenting with the +RW discs. So far I have run into the following problems:

1. Everytime I try to format the DVD-RW, the drive locks just before finishing. This has required a system shutdown (15-30 sec) then restart...not a hot restart.

2. I've attempted to burn 2 movies (with no success), with 2 different programs (DVDdeCrypter + Pinnacle InstantDVDcopy and 321 Studios DVDxCopy Express(Trial)). I've attempted a total of 6 times between the 2 methods following all the steps outlined in the forums here and dvdrhelp.com. Unfortunately, the best I have gotten so far is the title screen (FBI warning).

3. When information is burned to the DVD, I can not see any files on the DVD via Windows Explorer.

BTW: I have flashed the drive via I/O Magics software.

OS - Windows XP
System ASUS A7V - 2100+
Corsair 512MB Ram
Maxtor 7200RPM drive
etc. etc. etc.

Thanks in advance

curious what version is the dvd x copy ? also when you try to format the rw ..what program are you using to do this ? ...also a quick test if i had the drive ..i would take it to someone else machine and install in it to find out if it had problem ..I never seen a dvd drive do that ... if it didnt have same problem you know it is something software wise on your pc ..of somethign iwth your pc ..that is just a quick test ... also I would try doing firmware again ... to either lower firmware or newest again to see if that fixed it

also I use dvd shrink and nero ... not version six nero cause that caused me all kinds of problems nad just not me either alot of my friends ...we switched back to nero 5.5.10.28 ...but hey that is just us ... so far with dvd shrink and nero no prob ..i also used dvd x copy express verison 3 and no problems yet ..I have tdk burner though



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giovanni40220@msn.com


well I would try those suggestions ..keep us posted

The version number of Xpress is unknown, but I imagine since it is the trial downloaded from their website it will be the 3.0.

I did try to do the firmware update over...twice...to no avail. As for the formating software, I allowed Xpress to do itself, I used the software that came with Pinnacle as well as some other program that came with the DVD burner. Xpress didn't have a problem formating it (allthough I don't know if it formatted it properly), but both the others caused the lock-up. It would be nice to be able to delete and format the disk if the burn didn't work properly...maybe it's just me, but isn't that what REwritable disc's are for.

I haven't tried moving it to one of my other PC's simply because this one is the most stable and fastest of the 3. You do bring up the obvious though...I will try this once I get home.

I am also going to pick up the DVDxCopy Gold today at Fry's so I can have the full copy. The one touch thing is a must if the old lady is going to use it.

Update:

Last night I uninstalled the drivers, remounted (in same computer), and rebooted. All came up well with drivers reinstalled and verified my firmware once again (2.15 the newest Official). Made an attempt to back-up a DVD via DVDxCopy Xpress....same issue, no files on the disc (DVD+RW) when process completed; it actually says blank disc on the screen. I hate to say it, but I am dumb-founded.

As I see it I have a few options:

1. Make an attempt to burn with DVD-RW.
2. Try a different movie.
3. Remove and install in a new machine.
4. Scrap it as faulty drive and return it for new one.

I still have the issues with the lock-up on format also. I did find that my audio card (Creative Labs X-Gamer 5.1) was running a CThelper.exe file in my windows processes and when I ran a DVD it was using close to 100% of my resources. I disabled and unistalled it (CThelper.exe) resulting in MUCH smoother DVD playback. Still no burn though ???

The weekend is here, which hopefully will allow for more time to mess with it. So, an update will be soon to follow.

cant wait til update i know moving it ot another pc elimates half the problems that could arise ..

Giovanni,

I took your advice and attempted running it in my son's Win98SE system. What do you know, it recognized the drive, but when I tried to explore the contents of the drive, it kept "disappearing" on me

I have to admit this is the first time I have ever run into any such a thing. After checking around on the I/O Magic help page I found that several other people have been experiencing similar techical difficulties, but have not really attempted the extremes of repairing and retesting like I did. The part that really chaps my hide is that the service department at CompUSSR had the gaul to question me on if I was sure the drive was bad. I can understand if I was some computer-illiterate person coming in there, but hell I know more about computers than anyone that works there...even their techs. Maybe I am just ranting, but buyer's beware of these yahoos. (BTW it is Lewisville Texas CompUSA). At least the technician was familiar with the equipment enough to perform a simple analysis. Okay rant over.

I am supposed to get the new drive on Thursday, so I will update you on any new discoveries. (This is another rant on why I have to wait).

Many thanks for your help Giovanni!!!

well yig,

i been repair pc's for years ... I actually work for humana ... and i usually go for quick solution first ..and that is putting it in new system and see what is does ..then you elimate alot of variables ... and then it also gives ya starting point to look at ..


trust me i work smarter not harder


also if you want good cheaper burner ..my friend has memorex -r that works great backup his movies no problem .he has a collection of dvds ..100 plus .. I have over 100 too but i use tdk burner it is expensive ... you can see which one at my signature ... and it is great ..but i copy my games too ... i never had one problem with it ... at all