Ok, this is gonna sound really wierd, but please hear me out. I have installed about 5 different burning programs. However, Ive only actually backed up 1 DVD, and Ive had over 10 coasters since then. The one software that seemed to work was DVDXCopy Platinum (that I got from a friend). Now, Ive read some things that DVDXCopy may indeed destroy your burners drivers and whatnot, however the wierd thing is that i can still burn a normal CD off of my laptop, and DVDs with random data. The only thing is, I cant burn another movie to save my life here. Im using a LG superwriter with GSA4040 A302 firmware (upgraded), and I cant seem to figure it out. I even went out and got the preferred media that LG suggests, TDK and Maxell DVD-R. Ive just tried both, and again, expensive coasters. I dont know how much these things cost in America, but in Japan, these are setting me back a decent $3 or $4 a pop. Please help me out here...this is getting ridiculous.

If its any help, and Im sure it is, I just realized that most of my simulations are failing too. The only one that has gone through recently is CloneDVD, and I tried it again after DVDShrinking a movie, and I got the usual 5 seconds in, and then it spit me out the DVD-R. Another waste. Please help, with whatever you can...I beg of you.

I would try removing all of that software. It may be conflicting. It could also be that you have a screwed up burner. Can you return it and try getting another one?

I live in Japan, and got the burner shipped to me from the US, because of Tech TVs great reccomendation of it. OOPS! on my part there I guess, unless this is indeed a driver issue. If anyone can help me figure this out so I can actually back up movies...I would gladly pay you. Im that desperate here. 20 bones in PayPal money, goin' your way if you can figure this one out.

Thanks in advance. Im seriously about to punch someone in the throat over this one, Im that angry about it. I may indeed uninstall everything and then install again, who knows.

Then there is the fact that its an internal drive with an external case, and its plugged into my laptop...could that be a problem? Or is that just an easy way of saying try it on someone elses computer...ok, I'll try that, Im glad I thought of it. If that doesnt work though...Im very open for suggestions.

How have you got the dvd-writer connected to your laptop?

through USB 2.0, and an external case. Also, its got a power supply, but you probably knew that.

is it a problem that I have an external case and a USB 2.0 Hookup?

what's the USB 2.0 Hookup you have? Is this directly from external case into a USB 2.0 port on the laptop or into a PCMCIA USB 2.0 card plugged into the laptop?

directly from the USB 2.0 on the case to the laptop

bump

just a little update, this still isnt working, I even had the Chinese guy here messing with it and he cant figure it out. What the heck?