After encoding bottom bar reads "Device Not Ready(Unable to Recover TOC)"

[catsmasher8]

What do I do? I have a compaq and have been trying to burn dvds. This is like the 4rth different program I've downloaded and they never burn. I have a stack of blank "windata" DVD-R discs. The previous ones always ask to insert a writable disc in when it is already in. This one after encoding , read" unable to recover TOC". I don't know what that means. Please try to help I'm at my wits end.

Thank you

[LIGHTNING UK!]

If that's what your drive reports when you've inserted a blank disc, it doesn't like the discs you're using.

 

Nothing will be able to access the disc or get the drive to burn to it until the drive itself is happy with the disc that's inside it.

 

Can you please copy + paste all of the text from the Log window for me, thanks.

[catsmasher8]

I 05:06:33 ImgBurn Version 2.4.4.0 started!

I 05:06:33 Microsoft Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600 : Service Pack 3)

I 05:06:33 Total Physical Memory: 515,568 KB - Available: 128,140 KB

I 05:06:33 Initialising SPTI...

I 05:06:33 Searching for SCSI / ATAPI devices...

I 05:06:33 Found 1 DVD-ROM/CD-RW!

[catsmasher8]

What about the window above it?

[LIGHTNING UK!]

ok, that'll be why then... you don't have a drive that can burn DVDs.

 

It'll read them, but it won't write them - it's a 'combo' drive.

[catsmasher8]

ok, that'll be why then... you don't have a drive that can burn DVDs.

 

It'll read them, but it won't write them - it's a 'combo' drive.

[catsmasher8]

What do I do now then? I would like to solve this and not hire anyone. I know they probably might charge me a bunch for a couple of clicks here and there. I appreciate your help. Thanx.

[LIGHTNING UK!]

I'm afraid you can't fix this by clicking, your drive simply can't burn to DVDs.

 

You'll have to buy a new drive if that's what you want/need to do - otherwise just stick to burning CDs with it.

[catsmasher8]

I'm afraid you can't fix this by clicking, your drive simply can't burn to DVDs.

 

You'll have to buy a new drive if that's what you want/need to do - otherwise just stick to burning CDs with it.

[catsmasher8]

Where do I begin to look for that specific drive? I don't know the name of the drive. I'm checking out radio shack. Am I on the right track?

[LIGHTNING UK!]

It's not a specific drive, it's just a DVD burner.

 

The one thing you do need to check is which type of connection (IDE or SATA) your current one has - or at least what's supported by the motherboard.

 

SATA would be better if your motherboard has any/spare SATA ports.

 

Then it's just a case of unplugging the current one and plugging in the new one.

 

If you aren't happy about doing that, take it to someone that is.