Problem with writing/playing Double Layer DVDs

Question

Level 1

0 points

Problem with writing/playing Double Layer DVDs

My Imac has recently began to show some problems with Dual layers DVDs that I did not experience before. It doesn't burn any DVD9 anymore. Even worse, I can not play any DVD9 I'd burnt on the same drive before, because they are constantly ejected, while before that (till 1-2 months ago) I had no problem with the same discs. With retail dvds or dvd5s (+R or -R) I don't experience any problem. Does it mean that my DVD drive has become defective?

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Jun 3, 2012 9:20 AM

Reply

Answer 1

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,486 points

Jun 3, 2012 11:27 AM in response to Ramin99

It could be the start of some hardware problem. When my drive dies it didn't go all at once, problems started and got progressively worse until it didn't work at all. Before you do anything else though you might try a SMC set and PRAM/NVRAM reset

To reset the SMC

Shut down the computer.

Unplug the computer's power cord.

Wait fifteen seconds.

Attach the computer's power cord.

Wait five seconds, then press the power button to turn on the computer.

To reset PRAM/NVRAM

Shut down the computer.

Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command, Option, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously in step 4.

Turn on the computer.

Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys. You must press this key combination before the gray screen appears.

Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the second time.

Release the keys.

Reply

Answer 2

Ramin99 Author

Level 1

0 points

Jun 6, 2012 6:49 PM in response to SeaPapp

Thanks for your instructions...I followed them but it did not change the situation at all. 😟

Does it mean that the nature of the problem is mechanical?

Reply

Answer 3

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,486 points

Jun 6, 2012 6:57 PM in response to Ramin99

It MIGHT. Maybe running the Apple Hardware Test would give you some insight. You could take it in for service, especially if you' still under warranty. If your Mac is older you might consider buying an external drive rather than paying to have a new one installed.

Reply

Answer 4

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,486 points

Jun 6, 2012 6:58 PM in response to Ramin99

Another thought....have you tried a different brand of DL disc?

Reply

Answer 5

Ramin99 Author

Level 1

0 points

Jun 10, 2012 5:41 PM in response to SeaPapp

Yes, I had DVD9s of different brands and all had the similar story. By the way, I ran Apple Hardware Test, but it did not diagonse any problem with my system.

I'm not an expert, but is there a chance that the firmware of my drive has been messed up?

Reply

Answer 6

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,486 points

Jun 10, 2012 5:46 PM in response to Ramin99

I would say that's unlikely, but maybe something here will help you

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3744

Reply