Q: Drive won't read any dvd-ejects it automatically after spinning some time

I'm yet another frustrated user to report the problem. My drive stopped writing DL DVDs first, then stopped reading single layer DVDs, which I discovered once I tried to install Windows 7 on Boot Camp and later on Parallels. Sadly, it stopped working right after 1 year warranty. Can't tell you how much frustrated I am, when I can't install Windows to continue working on my graduation project. I can't go without Windows, since I need Revit and other Autodesk products, which run only on Windows.

Here's an excerpt from System Profiler:
MATSHITA DVD-R UJ-868:

Firmware Revision: KB19
Interconnect: ATAPI
Burn Support: Yes (Apple Shipping Drive)
Cache: 0 KB
Reads DVD: Yes
CD-Write: -R, -RW
DVD-Write: -R, -RW
Write Strategies: CD-TAO, CD-SAO, DVD-DAO
Media: To show the available burn speeds, insert a disc and choose View > Refresh

I agree. Macbooks perform below what's to be expected. You pay a some extra for a MacBook, but then you might be allowed to expect it to perform as any other computer.

If a MacPro's -CD/DVD player- performs after so many years, or even much older types, without any other extracare, then the issue discussed here might be considered pretty awkward.

I realise by now that my Macbook's DVD-player has failed before and therefore I have never used it. Very much unlike DVD or CD players on the older computers I own. This isn't normal.

If a MacPro's -CD/DVD player- performs after so many years, or even much older types, without any other extracare, then the issue discussed here might be considered pretty awkward.

meaning to say:

If even much older type (Mac Pro 2007, 7500) -CD/DVD players- perform after so many years, without any care, then the issue discussed here should be considered pretty awkward.

I posted here earlier this year. My DVD drive stopped working. I bought a cleaning DVD that, after I bought it, realized it was only supposed to work on Winbloze computers. I tried it a couple times. I also tried putting in just DVD with Disk Utility opened and did a disk repair.

Anyway, whether it was one or both of these actions, some other action, karma or the act of a benevolent Supreme Being, my DVD-RW started working and is continuing to work.

Now, pardon me while I burn incense and pray to my Steve Jobs bobblehead.

Having the same problems, optical drive can't read/write DVDs, its getting absolutely ridiculous.
I have to install Windows 7 on bootcamp (Parallels is not reliable) so I can finish my programming project but I can't do it without a functional optical drive I'm thinking I might have to buy an external one if I can't fix it in the next couple of weeks.
MATSHITA DVD-R UJ-868:

Firmware Revision: KB19
Interconnect: ATAPI
Burn Support: Yes (Apple Shipping Drive)
Cache: 2048 KB
Reads DVD: Yes
CD-Write: -R, -RW
DVD-Write: -R, -R DL, -RW, +R, +R DL, +RW
Write Strategies: CD-TAO, CD-SAO, DVD-DAO
Media: To show the available burn speeds, insert a disc and choose View > Refresh


Does anybody know if I can try that firmware (SimpleFlash 2) with another firmware? I'd really appreciate if I got an answer!

Having the same problems with April 2008 iMac. What can we do now?

I felt my heart sinking when I saw the length of this thread. I had already tried a cleaning disc (HAMA, wet system) and a SMC reset, to no avail. Then, reacting to a loud and clear "meow" below next to me, I started cuddling one of my two cats - and suddenly remembered the state of things inside my Logitech mouse when the scroll wheel stopped working a few weeks ago. Yes, cats DO lose hair - a lot. And it inevitably ends up in the wrong places. What if....?
And then I remembered that a couple of years ago I had bought a different CD lens cleaner, a bit of a cheapo, by a brand named Deja, which only had 6 tiny nylon brushes on different radiuses of the disc as a cleaning system. What can I say? It worked! The instructions say you can also use it as a wet system with some cleaning fluid, but that wasn't necessary.
Just my 5 cents...

So DVD drive let me load OSX Snow lepper (10.6.6) and now won't let me load anything else??
new firmware driver for drive below where are these things for a mac, PC's readily available it seems


MATSHITA DVD-R UJ-85J:

Firmware Revision: FAV1
Interconnect: ATAPI
Burn Support: Yes (Apple Shipping Drive)
Cache: 2048 KB
Reads DVD: Yes
CD-Write: -R, -RW
DVD-Write: -R, -RW, +R, +R DL, +RW
Write Strategies: CD-TAO, CD-SAO, DVD-DAO
Media:
Type: DVD-ROM
Blank: No
Erasable: No
Overwritable: No
Appendable: No
Help Thank you

Thanks a lot! It works perfect for me. I can burn a DVDs again and open other discs.

It was helpful for me (thanks to hotkidd):
"What you need is a business card or a credit card + iPhone cleaning cloth (other similar cleaning cloth that's thin and doesn't leave marks for example for cleaning glasses). Wrap the cloth around the credit card, then while holding the ends of the the cloth insert few centimeters from the front of the credit card covered with the cloth in the optical drive, push and pull a bit and that's about it. The drive will work perfectly and like new
You don't need to insert it so much since the lens is not so deep inside. It's just few cm in.
Try this and see if it works, If it doesnt work right away, do the same procedure and it will come....( this procedure only works if your drive is dusty and you didn't messed up with something else ) "

Same deal here, everyone. Since I installed Snow Leopard, I now cannot burn to DVD. Tried numerous manufacturers, +R, -R - no dice.

MATSHITA DVD-R UJ-85J:

Firmware Revision: FAV1
Interconnect: ATAPI
Burn Support: Yes (Apple Shipping Drive)
Cache: 2048 KB
Reads DVD: Yes
CD-Write: -R, -RW
DVD-Write: -R, -RW, +R, +R DL, +RW
Write Strategies: CD-TAO, CD-SAO, DVD-DAO
Media: To show the available burn speeds, insert a disc and choose View > Refresh

This thread goes back an awfully long time for there to have been no resolution by now.

same problem here..

MATSHITADVD-R UJ-85J:

Modello: MATSHITADVD-R UJ-85J
Revisione: FAV1

Hi there,

I would like to report that I had the "laser level" bug from time to time but could get the burning done with that old System Preferences trick, needed last time some 6 months ago.

Got the issue these days again and could not burn even changing Language settings.

In spite of not burning I COULD mount and read any disc, empty or not. The real bug came yesterday:

While reading some official articles and trying to burn using Finder and Disk Utility I low rated some 3 of those articles. From this point on my Superdrive can not read ANY disk.

Luckily I have a USB boot option to work around with any major bug that may show up.

Regards, K.

I've worked the disc cleaner solution on a g4 and an mbp. I think the reason this thread is so long...and other similar threads exist in large numbers is the following:

1. Different people have different problems with the same symptoms.
2. Some of us have been lucky with one of several solutions...others no luck.
3. Some of us haven't really tried all of the several solutions...most of which are VERY simple...like a disc cleaner...or air cannister.
4. Some of us are screwed...and will have to spend money.

I think that some more enterprising member should summarize the different suggested solutions and add one...go to an Apple Store...if one is near you...and try someone at the Genius Bar. This presupposes that you've tried all of the several solutions and have decided that spending money is better than throwing the machine in the dumpster...it doesn't cost a cent to make the inquiry...and you don't have to let them fix it if they don't do it for zip.

Last point...Things break. For lots of reasons. Not always because Apple did something mean. Don't give up...until you bring it in and hear a price that doesn't make sense...assuming the Genius person doesn't fix it for zip. And stay away from bridges until it gets resolved.

Hi,

I wonder if there's any product recall for HL-DT-ST DVDRW GS21N coz there seems to be a lot of defective ones? The thread is too long and I am not sure if there has been an effective solution already. Do I need to downgrade my OS whatsover?

Thanks

Message was edited by: accused_coffeeholic