I have a sudden problem copying (data) CDs on my Creative Labs 8/4/32 burner (w/Nero 5.5). While trying to copy, I received these error messages after simulation failed at the 12% mark:

SCSI/ATAPI Command Timeout Error
Command Sequence Error
Could not perform end of Disc At Once
[Simulation failed]

I have never had a problem in the past either copying or burning CDs. Curiously enough, I managed to copy the same source CD two weeks ago without a single problem.

I did run an ASPI check (OK), and the burner still seems to be functional for the most part, as I was just able to burn a 7 megabyte file to a CD-RW with no errors.

Help?!

***Thanks in advance***

I wish I had a good answer for you but this is the second one of these I've seen in a couple weeks. And I'm perplexed. Only thing I can suggest is make sure DMA is enabled, try uninstalling and reinstalling Nero, or give another burnware a try and see what happens.

You might also have a look around here as well
http://www.ahead.de/en/helptool/


http://www.cdrom-guide.com/ubb/4MoDeRaToRs/SiGnAtUrE_ImAgEs/hoss1.gif

Do you by any chance have an ALI chipset of your motherboard? I read of a similar error recently somewhere else where someone else had the same problem. They had an ALI chipset. I think that when they used the default Windows drivers for the chipset, he DMA wouldn't stay checked and he got that error. I think he downloaded the actual drivers for the ALI chipset on his motherboard and that may have fixed the problem. I say "may have" because it was just something I glanced at a while back and I don't remember the exact details. But, it is at least worth a shot, if you have the ALI chipset. . . Kind of a shot in the dark, I know, but try it out and let us know how you do. If I can find that info again, I will post it here.

-Zack

http://www.mindshatter.com/zack/smanback1.gif

To Hoss:

I do have DMA enabled......as for the Ahead website's helptool, it was not very helpful. Out of the 3 error messages that were logged, it only lists links for one, and that lead nowhere, as did other related issues.

To Zack:
I'm not sure what type of chipset I have (generic/TriGem?) but don't think it is an ALI.

I just checked the system settings for the CD writer - under Options, should 'Disconnect' be checked? 'Should Sync Data Transfer' be UNchecked?

Thanks once again..........

Yes to both your ?'s though they really don't affect IDE drives to any real degree.

There are sites such as http://www.belarc.com/Download.html
or http://www.hwinfo.com/ that would help with the ident of your Mobo stats. I have not heard bout the ALI issue but it could explain a few things.
I do think this is an issue with Nero for some reason, perhaps try another version as some have been known for weird bugs. But for the time being I think I might just uninstall it and try another to see what happens. Find many links here
http://www.cdrom-guide.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6816

I would uninstall the software too.

I have looked everywhere trying to find moreinfo on the ALI thing, but I can't find it anywhere. I know I heard something about it, but it must have been a one-time fluke for someone, or else there would be more info on it out there. However, having the latest drivers for your motherboard is still a good thing. :)

Good Luck.

Ok.......

To date, I have uninstalled and reinstalled the Nero software 3 times....
I have also removed the CD-RW drive via the system Device Manager twice so that Windows would reinstall the drivers when detecting the drive upon booting. This has changed the situation......not one bit. The results and error messages are exactly the same as before.

I'm about to give up on this and buy a new, faster drive. What worries me is the possibility of having the same thing happen with the new CD-RW.
I will say it again......I installed the burner 2 years ago, and have never had this problem (or any other) until now.

Thanks to all who replied......I guess this will remain a mystery for now.

A few years ago I had the same problem as yours. The burn or simulation would fail at the same spot. I got different error messages, though, because I was using EZCD, not Nero. I opened up the burner and gave it a good clean & lube. That fixed the problem and the 2x burner is still burning happily as of today.

Have you tried different burner software? While Nero has failed me at times Clone has never failed. It might be worth a try.