Failed to burn - try again

[Tiina]

I've been using DVDFab for years to make back up copies of dvds for my kids to use. Never had a problem. All of a sudden, I'm having this "failed to burn" message. Thought it might have something to do with the new July update so I downloaded version 6 again, but still had the same error. Wasted many blank discs (the same kind I've been using for years - Fuji, tried Maxell and HP as well). Don't know what the problem is all of a sudden. Please advise. Can't get beyond this.

010-07-29 00:02:00 ---- ******************** Log session stop 29-Jul 00:02:00.375 PID 3332********************
2010-07-29 00:01:53 Info Disc (DVD-ROM) not emtpy.
2010-07-29 00:01:47 Info Disc ejected by user.
2010-07-29 00:01:38 Info Disc (DVD-ROM) not emtpy.
2010-07-29 00:01:16 Info Parsing disc ...
2010-07-29 00:01:07 Error WRITE FAILED: Can't find write strategy at sector 16
2010-07-29 00:01:02 Error Write error at 0 (16) - Code 03 73 04 [Write error, PMA update fail]
2010-07-29 00:00:05 Info Write started 2138464 sectors to write
2010-07-29 00:00:05 Info Init success: DVD-R SAO
2010-07-29 00:00:05 Info Writing speed requested x8.0, effective x8.0
2010-07-29 00:00:05 Info Available write speed: 8x ,4x
2010-07-29 00:00:05 Info Media ID: RITEKF1
2010-07-29 00:00:05 Info Media type: DVD-R
2010-07-29 00:00:05 Info DMA Mode
2010-07-29 00:00:05 Info Scanned files #9, folder #2 - total size 4378472448 b. (4.08 Gb.)
2010-07-29 00:00:05 Info Inserted media type : DVD-R
2010-07-29 00:00:05 Info Write started
2010-07-29 00:00:01 Info Writable disc DVD-R inserted. Ready to write
2010-07-28 23:59:47 Info Parsing disc ...
2010-07-28 23:59:39 Error WRITE FAILED: Can't find write strategy at sector 16
2010-07-28 23:59:33 Error Write error at 0 (16) - Code 03 73 04 [Write error, PMA update fail]
2010-07-28 23:59:09 Info Write started 2138464 sectors to write
2010-07-28 23:59:09 Info Init success: DVD-R SAO
2010-07-28 23:59:09 Info Writing speed requested x8.0, effective x8.0
2010-07-28 23:59:09 Info Available write speed: 8x ,4x
2010-07-28 23:59:09 Info Media ID: RITEKF1
2010-07-28 23:59:09 Info Media type: DVD-R
2010-07-28 23:59:09 Info DMA Mode
2010-07-28 23:59:08 Info Scanned files #9, folder #2 - total size 4378472448 b. (4.08 Gb.)
2010-07-28 23:59:08 Info Inserted media type : DVD-R
2010-07-28 23:59:08 Info Write started
2010-07-28 23:59:06 Info Writable disc DVD-R inserted. Ready to write
2010-07-28 23:58:52 Info Parsing disc ...
2010-07-28 23:58:28 Info No disc in drive.
2010-07-28 23:47:02 Info Disc (DVD-ROM) not emtpy.
2010-07-28 23:47:00 Info Compatible media types : DVD-R, DVD-RW Seq., DVD-RW RO, DVDRAM, DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-R, CD-RW, DL DVD+R
2010-07-28 23:47:00 Info Drive has IDE-ATAPI physical interface
2010-07-28 23:47:00 Info New Drive selected : 4:0:0 - HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GSA-4160B A306 [E] (Ide)
2010-07-28 23:45:51 Info Current Drive selected : 4:0:0 - HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GSA-4160B A306 [E] (Ide)
2010-07-28 23:45:51 Info Using Patin-Couffin driver Version 1.37, Internal revision 37 Async. Access mode
2010-07-28 23:45:51 Info System default language : English (United States)
2010-07-28 23:45:51 Info User default language : English (United States)
2010-07-28 23:45:51 Info DLL Version : 4.0.7.466
2010-07-28 23:45:51 Info DLL : C:\Program Files\DVDFab 7\vso_hwe.dll
2010-07-28 23:45:51 Info Version : 7, 0, 8, 2
2010-07-28 23:45:51 Info ExeName : C:\Program Files\DVDFab 7\DVDFab.exe
2010-07-28 23:45:51 Info OS : Microsoft Windows XP MCE 2005 (Build 2600: Service Pack 2)
2010-07-28 23:45:51 ---- ******************** Log session start 28-Jul 23:45:51.218 PID 3332********************


2010-07-28 23:45:46 ---- ******************** Log session stop 28-Jul 23:45:46.890 PID 224********************
2010-07-28 23:45:35 Info Current Drive selected : 4:0:0 - HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GSA-4160B A306 [E] (Ide)
2010-07-28 23:45:35 Info Using Patin-Couffin driver Version 1.37, Internal revision 37 Async. Access mode
2010-07-28 23:45:35 Info System default language : English (United States)
2010-07-28 23:45:35 Info User default language : English (United States)
2010-07-28 23:45:35 Info DLL Version : 4.0.5.464
2010-07-28 23:45:35 Info DLL : C:\PROGRA~1\DVDFAB~2\vso_hwe.dll
2010-07-28 23:45:35 Info Version : 6, 2, 1, 8
2010-07-28 23:45:35 Info ExeName : C:\PROGRA~1\DVDFAB~2\DVDFab.exe
2010-07-28 23:45:35 Info OS : Microsoft Windows XP MCE 2005 (Build 2600: Service Pack 2)
2010-07-28 23:45:35 ---- ******************** Log session start 28-Jul 23:45:35.531 PID 224********************


2010-07-28 23:45:13 ---- ******************** Log session stop 28-Jul 23:45:13.578 PID 592********************
2010-07-28 23:45:05 Info Parsing disc ...
2010-07-28 23:44:57 Info Disc ejected by user.
2010-07-28 23:43:46 Info Disc (DVD-ROM) not emtpy.
2010-07-28 23:43:40 Info Disc ejected by user.
2010-07-28 23:43:36 Info Disc (DVD-ROM) not emtpy.
2010-07-28 23:43:12 Info Parsing disc ...
2010-07-28 23:43:03 Error WRITE FAILED: Can't find write strategy at sector 16
2010-07-28 23:42:58 Error Write error at 0 (16) - Code 05 30 05 [Illegal request, Cannot write medium, Incompatible format]
2010-07-28 23:42:24 Info Write started 2138464 sectors to write
2010-07-28 23:42:24 Info Init success: DVD-R SAO
2010-07-28 23:42:24 Info Writing speed requested x8.0, effective x8.0
2010-07-28 23:42:23 Info Available write speed: 8x ,4x
2010-07-28 23:42:23 Info Media ID: RITEKF1
2010-07-28 23:42:23 Info Media type: DVD-R
2010-07-28 23:42:23 Info DMA Mode
2010-07-28 23:42:22 Info Scanned files #9, folder #2 - total size 4378472448 b. (4.08 Gb.)
2010-07-28 23:42:22 Info Inserted media type : DVD-R
2010-07-28 23:42:22 Info Write started
2010-07-28 23:29:46 Info Writable disc DVD-R inserted. Ready to write
2010-07-28 23:29:38 Info Parsing disc ...
2010-07-28 23:29:37 Info Compatible media types : DVD-R, DVD-RW Seq., DVD-RW RO, DVDRAM, DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-R, CD-RW, DL DVD+R
2010-07-28 23:29:36 Info Drive has IDE-ATAPI physical interface
2010-07-28 23:29:36 Info New Drive selected : 4:0:0 - HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GSA-4160B A306 [E] (Ide)
2010-07-28 23:28:43 Info Current Drive selected : 4:0:0 - HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GSA-4160B A306 [E] (Ide)
2010-07-28 23:28:43 Info Using Patin-Couffin driver Version 1.37, Internal revision 37 Async. Access mode
2010-07-28 23:28:43 Info System default language : English (United States)
2010-07-28 23:28:43 Info User default language : English (United States)
2010-07-28 23:28:43 Info DLL Version : 4.0.5.464
2010-07-28 23:28:43 Info DLL : C:\Program Files\DVDFab 6\vso_hwe.dll
2010-07-28 23:28:43 Info Version : 6, 2, 1, 8
2010-07-28 23:28:43 Info ExeName : C:\Program Files\DVDFab 6\DVDFab.exe
2010-07-28 23:28:43 Info OS : Microsoft Windows XP MCE 2005 (Build 2600: Service Pack 2)
2010-07-28 23:28:43 ---- ******************** Log session start 28-Jul 23:28:43.437 PID 592********************


2010-07-28 23:28:15 ---- ******************** Log session stop 28-Jul 23:28:15.000 PID 2780********************
2010-07-28 23:27:00 Info Disc DVD-R is not compatible for write with this drive.
2010-07-28 23:26:30 Info Parsing disc ...
2010-07-28 23:26:20 Info Disc ejected by user while parsing.
2010-07-28 23:26:19 Info Parsing disc ...
2010-07-28 23:26:15 Info Disc ejected by user while parsing.
2010-07-28 23:25:22 Info Parsing disc ...
2010-07-28 23:25:14 Info No disc in drive.
2010-07-28 23:25:10 Info Disc ejected by user.
2010-07-28 23:25:00 Info Disc (DVD-ROM) not emtpy.
2010-07-28 23:24:44 Info Parsing disc ...
2010-07-28 23:24:43 Info Compatible media types : DVD-R, DVD-RW Seq., DVD-RW RO, DVDRAM, DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-R, CD-RW, DL DVD+R
2010-07-28 23:24:42 Info Drive has IDE-ATAPI physical interface
2010-07-28 23:24:42 Info New Drive selected : 4:0:0 - HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GSA-4160B A306 [E] (Ide)
2010-07-28 23:23:37 Info Current Drive selected : 4:0:0 - HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GSA-4160B A306 [E] (Ide)
2010-07-28 23:23:37 Info Using Patin-Couffin driver Version 1.37, Internal revision 37 Async. Access mode
2010-07-28 23:23:37 Info System default language : English (United States)
2010-07-28 23:23:37 Info User default language : English (United States)
2010-07-28 23:23:37 Info DLL Version : 4.0.5.464
2010-07-28 23:23:37 Info DLL : C:\Program Files\DVDFab 6\vso_hwe.dll
2010-07-28 23:23:37 Info Version : 6, 2, 1, 8
2010-07-28 23:23:37 Info ExeName : C:\Program Files\DVDFab 6\DVDFab.exe
2010-07-28 23:23:37 Info OS : Microsoft Windows XP MCE 2005 (Build 2600: Service Pack 2)
2010-07-28 23:23:37 ---- ******************** Log session start 28-Jul 23:23:37.953 PID 2780********************

[signals]

It may be your drive beginning to fail. Is that a slimline drive in a notebook? Same error codes with the newer versions of DVDFab? Would also suggest you try some Verbatim or T-Y blanks.

[AGJ]

Also lower the burn speed to 4x as you have it set to max which is way too fast

[chris]

2010-07-29 00:01:53 Info Disc (DVD-ROM) not emtpy.
2010-07-29 00:01:47 Info Disc ejected by user.
2010-07-29 00:01:38 Info Disc (DVD-ROM) not emtpy.
2010-07-29 00:01:16 Info Parsing disc ...

2010-07-28 23:42:23 Info Media ID: RITEKF1
2010-07-28 23:42:23 Info Media type: DVD-R

Two things I noticed, 1-you should switch to a better quality of media, ie: verb's.
2- I seem to recall a thread where it was stated that DVD-ROM's could be an issue? Not too sure on this one, but as for the media, I use to use crappy media and the good folks here set me on the right path.

[maineman]

In addition to the excellent advice so far...

Please change your default burn engine to Img.
It's free and much more reliable and configurable.
Here's a great video tutorial with everything you need to know including a D/L link:

Setting Up ImgBurn and DVDab to work together

I agree that you should switch media to:
1). Verbatim...be certain the label has the AZO Dye label/logo on the spindle wrapper.
(Unfortunately, some marginal quality verbs are showing up without the AZO dye)

2). Taiyo Yuden. You'll need to purchase online
(If you need names of reliable retailers, let us know).

You may find that Img will burn your current blank media, RITEKF1.
Go ahead and use up what you've got (burn a the Riteks at 4X), but please purchase some quality media.

I took a quick peek at your burner specs and it does not appear to be a slimline drive, but my pal signals is questioning this.
Over the years, I could count the number of times he's been wrong on one hand.
Please confirm.

[Tiina]

The driver is an LG internal which we upgraded Dec. '09. I understand about the better quality media, just strange how in the middle of a pack it suddenly isn't good enough any more. Also, my speed is set at DVD5 - my only other option is DVD9, which I've always heard is too high.

[signals]

The drive may be dirty. Try blowing it out with compressed air or use one of the cleaner discs (RadioShack etc.). You can't go wrong with ImgBurn as the burn engine. Follow the links that Maineman provided to use it from within DVDFab or use it in standalone mode. Don't forget to get DVDFab back to a current version.

[maineman]

Also, my speed is set at DVD5 - my only other option is DVD9, which I've always heard is too high.

That's not your speed, but rather your Target size
DVD5 = single layer media
DVD9 = dual layer media (sometimes called double layer)

Your selected burn speed is 8X....probaly too fast for the marginal/poor quality Riteks. Please select 4X for this media.

Sorry, gotta run...my employer expects me to actually work.
Be around as I can, but someone should be on the forum that can help.

[signals]

I did some checking, the 4160 is a 2004-era drive, so it may need cleaning. Probably also needs a firmware update, but reviews when it was new said the supported media list was poor, but that it did very well with Verbatims.

[Tiina]

How do I change burn speed to 4X? Where is the settings? And oops, the burner for this computer is the older LG model - got confused because we bought another for another computer. I'm trying to burn the movie on that computer. Possibly, if it will work there, I'll need a new burner. Any suggestions for new models?

[Tiina]

The movie copied fine with the other burner. I guess I need to buy a new burner for my first computer. Thanks.

[signals]

It sounded like a failing drive. You still might try cleaning it. If not, check newegg.com, they have several good drives on sale and a wide selection. I use LG drives, others have different preferences. Make sure the one you get has the correct connector configuration to match your motherboard (IDE, SATA etc.).

[AGJ]

If you follow maineman's link for installing ImgBurn it will tell you how to set up a burn speed. If you still want to continue with the VSO burn engine then you would have to go into common settings of DVDFab which is the green dot with Check mark and go to write and change the burn speed from recommended to 4x but when using VSO that setting does not always work which is one of the reasons I use ImgBurn instead