RW disk is Read Only?

Does anyone know why a brand new Memorex CD-RW would be Read Only? When I view contents, it's empty. Is there anyway I can use it?
Alice

 

More details on RW disk burning attempts

Pete and Steve, thank you both for responding. No, the CDs have not been used before; they're brand new, and I've had the same result with all four CDs I've tried so far. No, I hadn't tried to write to them before. I am using Roxio Drag-to-Disk for burning.
Initially I get a message that says the disk must first "be prepared" and that it will take about 30 minutes, which it does. After that, when I try to continue, I get the "Read Only" error message.
Alice

 

A CD-RW (Re-Writable) is a special CD disk which must be formatted before use (a CD disk does not). If you insert a CD-RW disk into a CD-RW burner, you require special software which works only with this type of disk. You then format the disk and it is available to write to. The disk has similar traits as a floppy disk. You can delete one or all files and regain all the space back to write new files.
So for the above to work, you need the following ...
CD-RW type drive/burner.
CD-RW disks.
CD-RW Software which formats, burns, and reads CD-RW disks. I know of two software companies which provide this software. Nero has InCD and Roxio offers such software, but I do not know the name.

SIDE NOTE
aks
Rewritable CD's / software have not gained popular use. The required software has a history of not getting along with other software. This includes system software and 3rd party applications. Some user also have concerns about putting valuable backup information on disks which can be erased / rewrote to numerous times.

 

Using Roxio software

Thank you, Dennis. I am using the Roxio software, as I mentioned, and it does go through the "preparation" period. But after that, when I try to burn with the Roxio software, I get the message that the disk is Read Only.
I'm still stumped. What am I missing here?
Alice

 

I would say that the part of Roxio you are using is "Direct CD" (from memory). It is a UDF format program. Offhand there may be FAQs at Roxio (now Adeptec I think you will find). Sorry, but I am a little pressed for time to look it up. Post back, and as you can see, we will help if you need it.

I have a suspicion that it could be caused by using media (disks) that are too modern for your drive. This may possibly be overcome by getting a firmware update from the drive manufacturer's website. Be careful that the update is for your model (the model should be listed under CD/DVD drives in Device Manager, but it would be best to read the label on the drive itself). Firmware updates generally provide the drive with updated information about newly released media.

Another alternative, see if you can find the brand of media that the drive "liked" in the past and try that (although, it may be too modern for the drive as well).

Matt

 

Packet Writing Made Easy with Roxio Drag-to-Disc
The Roxio software you are using should automate the entire process. The above article states that not all burners support the "Automatic Format" for CD-RW disks, which maybe what is causing your problems. The article provides step-by-step instructions to format a CD-RW disk.

 

Thank you, Dennis and MattMan

Thank you both for your help. I've printed the info in the link you sent, Dennis.

I've managed to save to my CD-RWs all I wanted to save. I've checked the saved data, and all is well, so I guess, somehow, I followed the right course. Problem is, sometimes I used Roxio Creator Classic, and sometimes I used Drag-to-Disc, depending on which one worked for me. I wish I could write some succinct instructions down for myself for the next time, but since it appeared to be hit-or-miss, I have no idea how to do that.

I will check out the possibility that I need to update the firmware.
Alice