Lite-On SOHW 1633S croaked in the middle of writing

[johnsees]

I was doing a backup to DVD-R, like I've been doing for a year or so, to a disk that was partially full. It finished the write portion just fine, but when it got to the test (reading back the files that had been written) it said about 25% of the files were bad. Well, stuff happens, right? So I tried it again, (new disk) and this time, it wrote all the files, but when it got to writing the lead-out, it stalled. Tried it again, new DVD, and it didn't even recognize the disk.

Tried to copy some files (any files) to a CDRW, and it didn't recognize that there was a disk in the drive. (Tried 3 different CDs.) It can play CDs and DVD movies just fine, audio and video.

Powered the computer off and on, checked cables, no help. Anybody got any ideas? Is there a new DVD drive in my future? This thing's only 14 months old!

Thanks a lot.

[vinnie97]

I had a Lite-On CDRW (rebadged TDK) that died within a year's time...I was not too happy. Fortunately, my followup Lite-On (genuine) drive with a manufacturer date of July 2003 is still kicking. Their quality control has been known to be inconsistent. I would recommend getting yourself one of the cheap NECs (~$30) if possible.

[MacClipper]

if it is out of wty, I would open up the drive and grease the mechanicals inside.

Anyway, if it is of any comfort, the 1633S seems to be afflicted by a relatively short life span judging from forum postings, mine bit the dust a while back too - 1st the CD PUH died followed by the DVD PUH.