How to troubleshoot Mac Pro DVD drives not burning issue?

Question

How to troubleshoot Mac Pro DVD drives not burning issue?

I have an old Mac Pro 1,1 that came with two optical superdrives, neither one of which works properly. I can mount blank DVD-R and DVD R discs but the drives will not burn anything. Is there a way to check whether it is the drives or something else?

The drives will mount blank DVD-R and DVDV+R but will not burn. If I insert a DVD-R drive that contains files it will mount and I can see the files. If I mount a DVD+R will files on it the alert shows us saying that it is a blank disc. It will not mount commercially made movie DVDs, but will mount DVD-R discs that have movies and will play the movies. If there is a hardware reset that may correct the situation with the drives that will be great. If I have to purchase replacement drives, I'm willing to do it providing the Mac Pro isn't the problem. Help!

[Edited by Moderator]

Mac Pro (2019)

Posted on Apr 10, 2024 11:01 PM

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Answer 1

Apr 11, 2024 7:51 AM in response to Wayne Morrison

I would try an SMC reset as well as an NVRAM reset.

please see Reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support.

and also Reset NVRAM or PRAM on your Mac - Apple Support.

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Answer 2

Apr 11, 2024 9:13 AM in response to Wayne Morrison

Tthere are multiple speed ranges of discs that you could burn in that drive. some will work fine, some will work badly, some not at all.

 menu > About This Mac > (System report) > Disc Burning

Note carefully the last line:

Media: To show the available burn speeds, insert a disc and choose File > Refresh Information

.

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Answer 3

Apr 11, 2024 2:26 PM in response to Wayne Morrison

It worked, kind of... After resetting the PRAM I was able to mount and burn a DVD+R. However, the DVD-R gave me the same error as yesterday which was "The disc can't be burned, because the device failed to calibrate the power level for this media." I also tried an Apple install disk for Snow Leopard, and it would not mount. I heard a slight disc start, then long pause, repeat a few times, then eject. I'm trying to discern whether I need to replace the disc drives or whether it's something with the mac. the SMC reset didn't change anything. Thanks for your help. Any advice?

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Answer 4

Apr 11, 2024 2:33 PM in response to Wayne Morrison

you're welcome.

Wayne Morrison wrote:

"The disc can't be burned, because the device failed to calibrate the power level for this media."

with that error message, I would seriously consider Grant Bennet-Alder's response.

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Answer 5

Apr 11, 2024 4:53 PM in response to Wayne Morrison

<<. "The disc can't be burned, because the device failed to calibrate the power level for this media." >>

that error message correlates STRONGLY with trying to burn too-fancy media on a too-plain drive. I used to see it when I tried to burn 8x DVD media. Bought some cheaper 4.7x media, and they burned fine.

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Answer 6

Apr 12, 2024 1:30 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thank you for all that info, but that doesn't seem to be the problem. The disc is good for up to 16x and after going through the refresh routine you suggested, 16x shows up. Besides, I have burned DVDs from this spool in the past with no problem, along with another spool of 16x DVD+R discs as well. The DVD+R discs burn, but the DVD-R discs do not. This is a problem, but the original problem is that an Apple Install Disc for Mac OS Snow Leopard will not mount. If you have any suggestions why that is not happening, it would be very useful, as I had installed that OS on the same Mac Pro many years ago. Keep in mind also, that I have BOTH superdrive bays occupied with Apple superdrives, ordered that way from the factory. Thanks again for all your help!

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Answer 7

Apr 12, 2024 1:55 PM in response to Wayne Morrison

<< the original problem is that an Apple Install Disc for Mac OS Snow Leopard will not mount. >>

if the Snow Leopard DVD won't read in one drive, try reading it in the other.

by far the most common problem with DVD drive is dirty lenses.

if no joy, go buy a drive head cleaner disc.

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How to troubleshoot Mac Pro DVD drives not burning issue?

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