Problem: Sense Key = Medium Error, Sense Code 0x73, 0x03

I have the exact same problem. iTunes and even Toast doesn't burn anything without the error coming up in the middle of the process. Any help would be great.

I'm using Verbatim DVD+R DL and I get the same error. I have used a disc cleaner as well.

I have a Matshita DVD-R UJ-846 which lists as being able to write:
-R, -RW, +R, +RW, +R DL

This is quite frustrating and expensive.

I have similar problem with superdriver. I cannot burn any DVDs, data file or DVD video, but always burn the CDs. It is so stranger. I did not meet this situation before I installed a system patch, so I suspect if the patch I have applied result in this trouble. If any one have idea and can send me a mail, I shall appreciate it. Email: jhy817@qq.com

I too am having the same problem--can't burn a DVD-R DL on my early 2009 Mac Mini. Used to be able to, now I can't. Even tried Verbatims, but no luck. I haven't burned a DL since I upgraded to Snow Leopard, so I suspect that's part of the problem.

Here's something I'm going to try this afternoon though: While the Mac Mini specs on the Apple site say that it can burn DVD DL+Rs--and it certainly has in the past--I looked at the specs under my Apple menu in "About This Mac", and it says my drive can burn -Rs --but no +Rs are listed! I'm guessing that Snow Leopard changed what the drive is allowed to do. So now I have to drop $$ on some -Rs and see if it works....

I have the same problem, error message, and no solution. Get the same error with DVD-R DLs as well.

Same thing here on my iMac. Odd thing is I burned some of my Memorex DL's and now they won't go. Not sure if I did an update in between. Cleaning disc does not help. I am however able to burn single layer DVDs and cd's without any problems.

Message was edited by: Mac_phreak

This error tends to show up when the lens is dirty or the computer doesn't like the media you are using. Not all media is created equal and there is some very bad stuff out there. Lately I've been recommending Sony and Verbatim DVDs in particular. In cases like these I recommend buying a lens cleaner kit and Sony media - if the problem continues a trip to an authorized service center is in order.

Ever since upgrading to Leopard I get this error on THREE different drives -- the one on my G5, an external LaCie and the one on my MacBook. I've used Toast Titanium, the Burn utility in the OS and Bur, the software, with every conceivable brand of DVD and I'm STILL GETTING THE ERROR.

This HAS to be a Leopard issue.

Since upgrading I haven't been able to burn a SINGLE DISC.

Just today, I got this error:

The drive reported an error:
Sense Key = MEDIUM ERROR
Sense Code = 0x73, 0x03

I was burning a Verbatim DVD+R DL. This happened twice, so until I figure it out, I'm done trying. I have enough coasters as it is.

Running Toast 10 Titanium 10.0.4

Could it be the drive? I still have 5 months of AppleCare left.

same problem here... toast 10 titanium PRO.
everything was fine, then wanted to burn a DLdvd+R (8xspeed) by TDK wich made my macbook stucked a couple times in a row...so i thought its the medium. tried a normal dvd+R by memorex (which worked until now) and got the error. so i reinstalled(with cleanapp...so i deleted really every content of toast)
but still the same problem! will buy a cdcleaner today and try it again.

if its not working ive to search a good apple service... tried 3 with my old macbook...all of them sucked!

i hope its just a dirty lens!

Dolt wrote:
t...
Here's something I'm going to try this afternoon though: While the Mac Mini specs on the Apple site say that it can burn DVD DL+Rs--and it certainly has in the past--I looked at the specs under my Apple menu in "About This Mac", and it says my drive can burn -Rs --but no +Rs are listed!

Dolt, I've seen this happen myself in the past (on a PB12 running Tiger). The answer in that case was simply to reset the PRAM.

No guarantees, but worth a try. (Mind you, I've generally found -R DVDs to have a better compatibility record on Mac drives generally)

The next thing I'd try would be a download of the "Combo" version of the 10.6.2 OSX update (yes, its a big download), and try re-installing over the top of your existing system.

Cheers

Rod

Be nice if it was so simple, Nicholas, but most people here these days are complaining that the problem arises after updating things FROM Leopard (though when Leopard arrived there were other complaints very similar to yours too).

Generally when such things occur after an update for someone it involves a large dose of simple co-incidence (lots of optical drives fail every day and inevitably some do so just after having done an update, etc) , but in your case (given that you say it has happened to three) I'm wondering whether this might be due to something you have brought across from an earlier OS version. First of all give your drives a good run through with a cleaning disk (the G5 and the MBP drives must be at least a couple of years old and will inevitably be dirty by now). Then try downloading and installing the final Leopard Combo update over the top of your existing system.

If you have an external drive you might also consider installing a clean copy of Leopard on that, booting from it, and seeing if the MBP burner will then work.

Cheers

Rod

i tried pram-reset now 4times (luckynumber) and it did NOT help. also a pal called me, telling me he has right now the exact same problem and if i know what to do.

as i said, i will buy a lenscleaner disc today and write here if it helped or not.
if its not working i will make a factory reset as soon i have some external storage for my data (wanted to do that anyway).
if its not working then----> authorized service provider

id be greatly thankful if anybody would post any possible solution. or THE solution 😉

heavycrashdr,

Zapping the PRAM is only likely to work if you have the same problem as Dolt, with some formats not appearing in system profiler.

One of the difficulties with threads with lots of different posts about Optical drives is that there are a variety of quite different things that can go wrong, and people all start assuming that they have just the same problem when they don't.

The most likely cause of your own problem is simply a dirty drive. If not, then it is almost certainly either a problem with the media you are using or a problem with the drive itself.

There is nothing in your own post to suggest that either a PRAM reset or installing the OS again would be likely to help in the slightest.

Cheers

Rod