Internal CD/DVD writers dont work in external USB cases

This is not exactly a networking issue but since it has to do with transfer rates and i/o problems thought i would give it a try. I have 3 computers, 1 main, 2 networked but they are in a seperate room and I run the monitor and mice cables through a hole in the baseboard. I have 3 burners, Pioneer 16xDVD, Sony DRU500a 4x DVD and a Memorex 48x CD burner DVD reader. These are internal drives that I have put in Belkin external USB cases and put on 6, 10 or 16 foot USB cables. All data is accessed from the file server, I cant get the 2 networked boxes to burn a DVD (on 10 and 16 foot cables) without errors or crashing, all are burned using Veritas RecordNow DX that came with the Sony. I think is a good buring program becasue it lets me remove files 1 by 1 unitll i have the right amount. What is the problem? This is a longstanding problem that, in theory, should work. This setup doesnt really work without the burners being able to be on extensions. If I thought there was a difference between putting an internal drive in an external box and a drive sold as an external drive, i would give it try so i am open to suggestions. I would think the data is going either 1.too fast, 2. too slow or there are protocols i am not aware of that wont let me do what I am trying even though in theory , it should work.

thanks, Roger

 

I don't know what too long is...

But USB cables do not support long hauls. I set up a control center once and planned on using long USB cables for the mice and keyboards. The mice did not work, the keyboards could be intermittent. These distances were well within the old PS2 limits. You can call Belkin, as I did, and get the distance limitations. We replaced the USB mice and keyboards with older PS2s to resolve the issue. A higher fidelity cable may resolve your issue, or a USB hub.