superdrive will not play some discs

Question

superdrive will not play some discs

My superdrive has started to intermittantly reject (spit out) burned CD-RWs and non-factory made DVDs that it previously accepted and mounted on the desktop. And then later or the next day it will accept and mount these discs...and later not accept them again. However, the drive continues to have no problem with factory audio CDs and factory DVDs. What the heck is going on and how do I fix it so that CD-RWs and custom-burned DVDs from various sources always play as they used to play. No change of any kind was made in my computer, no new software installed or anything else. And as I said, the problem is intermittant, it comes and goes.

PowerBook, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Oct 16, 2011 5:19 PM

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Answer 1

Oct 16, 2011 6:30 PM in response to johnfromwhittier

Examine the data side of the discs in a bright light. Is the surface clean with no smudges?

The disc drive may have some dust inside. Suggest you buy a cleaning disc at a computer store.

 Cheers, Tom 😉

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Answer 2

Allan Jones

Level 9

78,794 points

Oct 16, 2011 6:59 PM in response to johnfromwhittier

First thing to do is to get a drive cleaning disk, typically between US$5 and $15 at computer stores and office supply outlets that sell computer gear. It's amazing how many brive that were pronounced "dead" by a trained tech were resurrected with one of these helpful tools.

Next, be aware that DVD media are not created equal. If the media is "iffy," nothing you can do will help. Here'sa great resource on that subject that includes a list of know-good and troublesome medai brands/makers:

http://www.digitalfaq.com/reviews/dvd-media.htm

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