MATSHITADVD-R UJ-857 - Help! Won't recognise or burn cdrs/dvds.

There are a couple of things you could try, although I don't know if either will help.

You could try creating a new user account and see if your drive wrks in it. If it does, that would point towards some sort of software glitch in your account that is causing problems.

You could open Disk Utility and try repairing permissions a few times.

You could also try running the extended version of the Apple Hardware test and see if anything shows up in the form of an error code.

Are you still under warranty? If so, and the drive is no good, you can get it replaced under warranty.

Good luck!

If this has been going on for a year and you haven't addressed it I would assume the MBP is out of warranty. Sounds like you need a new optical drive. Stop down to Apple store or if you are not faint of heart try here:
http://www.ifixit.com/Products/MacBook-Pro-15-Inch-2-16-GHz-Core-Duo-Optical-Dri ves/15/65
or here:
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/superdrive/MacBookPro15

Message was edited by: sig

I have the same dvd in a 1st generation MBP. So no warranty. It worked fine to burn both cds and dvds before the last firmware update. It will recognize cds and dvds with content, but spit out empty ones that work on other macs (iMac; Pioneer DVR-K06A).
Find no error with hardware test. Anyone with similar problem or know how to fix it?

This is the exact same reason why I'm here on this forum.

My DVD will read, but errors out when I try to write anything. Also, I'm trying to install a new grand piano sample package and it won't load it. It just huffs, puffs, never starts, then spits it out.

I have the exact same DVD model. I bought this macbook pro refurb'ed. I'm wondering if that's part of it. Either way, it *****. I don't have time to get it changed out either cuz I need it for my work tomorrow.

Could there possibly be some additional driver that needs to be installed? We just tried installing Windows XP on an SATA drive and without loading the drivers all kinds of whack stuff would happen.

Likewise, if anybody has any info or direction, that'd be awesome.

Thanks!

Do you have access to an Apple Store? Since the problems seem to have started with the firmware update, it may be worth an appointment at the genius bar to see if someone can determine what the problem is. If it really is due to the firmware update, Apple bears some responsibility here.

Good luck!

Hey all,

I had the same problem. But in my case, I fixed it by simply resetting the system management controller.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1411

Try it out.

Crossposting from a separate thread:

--

I was having the same problem, and my drive was even making some very unpleasant sounds when trying to mount the drive. What worked for me (warning: this will void your warranty, and not recommended for those who are nervous about removing nearly 30, tiny screws) was taking my Macbook apart, and ensuring that the ribbon cable to the optical drive was well seated. In fact, I removed the optical drive, and removed its top case as well for good measure. I used a can of compressed air to clean the interior, including the optical element. With the top cover of the optical drive off, I tested the mechanism to ensure nothing was sticking.

When I was done, I reassembled the optical drive and keyboard, and power cable (only parts stopping the computer from working at this stage) and carefully verified that the drive had begun working (to my amazement, it was!). I shut down the computer, and reassembled my MacBook completely.

I write this now with OS X Snow Leopard successfully mounted on my desktop.

Note: For those comfortable taking the MacBook apart and who want to try this out, the ifixit guide (www.ifixit.com) came in extremely handy for the take apart, put back together process:

http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Repair/MacBook-Pro-15-Inch-Core-Duo-Optical-Drive-Re placement/489/1

followed by:

http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Repair/Jammed-Optical-Drives/772/1

If you find that your optical drive isn't working once you reassemble your optical drive and data/power cable, your keyboard cable and your power cable (be very careful operating your mac in this state!) you can simply shut it down, and, assuming you have a spare ready, install your new replacement drive you obtained from an auction site, etc.

Hi- thought I'd jump in here and say that I have the same drive and I have an appt. at a Genius Bar on Sunday-probably will have to get it replaced. It says all CD's/DVD's are blank. A message I got when I tried to burn a DVD was that it was "unable to burn "DriveGenius_2.2.1_DVDUS.dmg. (The device failed to calibrate the laser power level for this media.)" Tried different disks-no luck. Cleaning it didn't help. So I called Apple. Thankfully my MBP is still covered under Apple Care. So that's my sad story..... Judy

I just phoned Apple support and voiced my displeasure and asked what' going on, I got the impression several others have done the same today. I suggest everyone here experiencing this problem does the same, as this could potentially lead to a class action lawsuit if there is a genuine manufacturing fault (as I've only used my optical drive a few times, EVER, for example, so it wouldn't be wear and tear), alternatively, if it is this dodgy sounding superdrive update, then hopefully Apple can release a patch, but we need to ensure this phenomenon is made known to them!

My MacBook Pro developed this same problem, and I followed the instructions given by khanklatt above. Since my computer is a 17", I used a slightly different ifixit guide:

http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Repair/MacBook-Pro-17-Inch-Core-Duo-Optical-Drive/32 0/1

After reassembly, everything worked perfectly, and I now have Snow Leopard running.

I also "voided my warranty" by removing the top lid of the DVD drive, although it was no longer in warranty anyway. Some of the screws are very difficult to remove - make sure you have a good quality Phillips 00 driver, as well as the correct T6 torx driver. These are readily available at most large hardware stores. I particularly like Sears tool department for individual drivers like this. Compressed air cans are available at Radio Shack, many large office supply stores, and online at many places. The tools are also available for sale on the ifixit site. It is not recommended to simply blow into the mechanisms, or to use air from an air compressor, since both of these methods can introduce moisture, or even oil.

I have the same problem, exact same model :l

Hi-went to the Genius Bar yesterday. It appears it is 'just' the DVD portion of the drive that is bad-the CD part worked flawlessly. Part is ordered. Will get it fixed this week. Judy

Hi guys! I've the same problem. I believed that was a supports' problem, but reading your experiences... I want to get my laptop in an Apple technical support center. I'll update you... 🙂

I've also this problem:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7k9WfiWv2Q&feature=player_embedded

😟