Problems burning

[BigStar]

After burning a couple hundred dvds with no problem, I guess it's about time for me to ask for help. I am using ImgBurn, and it is taking a really long time to even detect my dvd rw drive. once it does, one of two things have happened on separate occasions: 1) I can burn successfully, or 2) I get a Power Calibration Area Error. A couple times, ImgBurn states it can't find any devices and when I check My Computer and Device Manager, my DVD-RW and DVD drives are no longer there!
I have attached one log, where I get the power error.
Is it ImgBurn? Is my drive failing? I have used the same media for all attempts (Imation DVD+R). Any help at all would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

[ratboy]

Destination Media Type: DVD+R (Disc ID: CMC MAG-M01-00) (Speeds: 4x, 6x, 8x)

I believe you should review this.

CLICK HERE Golden Rules of Burning

I have used the same media for all attempts (Imation DVD+R)

This batch for DVD's may not be the same as the last. Imation has a number of DVD makers. You may be running into a really bad one every now and then.

Hope this helps.

Edit: Please post a burn log. I also found this:

The Nero site reports the cause will be either poor media, poor power, or a defective recorder.

http://ww2.nero.com/nero6/enu/FAQs_P...essages.html#9

Fix to above link.

http://www.nero.com/nero6/enu/FAQs_Products_NeroBurningROM_Error-Messages.html

[Chewy]

http://forum.rpc1.org/dl_firmware.php?download_id=1913

time for a new burner or try the latest firmware and see if it sees those 16x disks as 16x

don't waste much time on that old burner, it was bad when they made it

[BigStar]

Thanks for the replies!
Ratboy, the link you provided is not working for me. And I did not save any successful burn logs, but by chewy's words, I guess it's time to just get a new drive.
Chewy, I've been trying to find out which firmware to download for a while. How did you know my drive's firmware would be under BTC DRW1016IM / DRW1116UI?
And if you can point me in the right direction for how to properly flash my drive, that'd be great (hopefully I won't have to get a new drive).

[Chewy]

your firmware is on that page, try the one the furtherest to the right

that's your drive


extract the firmware, boot into safe mode and flash drive empty

[BigStar]

Okay, upon your advice, I think I'll buy a new burner. I'm looking at the Samsung SH-S182M. 72% of 656 people at new egg give it 5/5. Considering the highly-acclaimed BenQ 1650 is no longer in stock anywhere, does this Samsung look good for burning?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827151136

Plus, since my now nearly-dead dvd burner can't burn but can still read, is there some way if I can check the dvds rips I get from it are decent? Some program, possibly?

Once again, thanks for the help and patience with the newbie questions.

[soup]

If RipIt4Me will rip from it & that rip will open in Dvd Shrink, you can pretty well guarantee that you have a good rip.