If you are using a CD-RW disc, verify the CD-ROM or CD-R drive is capable of reading the disc.

CD-RW in CD-R or CD-ROM drive - Some CD-R drives are incapable of reading CD-RW drives.

Not only does this apply to computers, but also home entertainment DVD players.

Old CD-ROM or early DVD drive - Some early CD-ROM drives and first-generation DVD drives (some of the first DVD drives released) do not support CD-R discs or CD-RW discs.

Verify the drive supports the recordable media you are attempting to read. Disc is a recordable disc that the drive or player does not support If one drive is capable of reading the disc correctly, chances are that the problem was not in the mastering. A good way to check whether the incompatibility problems are with software or one of the other causes mentioned is to test the same disc on several CD-ROM drives. An incorrect ISO image could be generated, or incorrect sub-header codes could be recorded in the case of Mode 2 discs. The pre-mastering software can sometimes produce incorrect tracks due to bugs. When in doubt, try a different brand of CD-R disc. For example, TDK discs often give a 100% guarantee. Verify the disc manufacturer gives a 100% guarantee for supporting all drives and disc speeds. Not all CD-R discs are compatible with all types and speeds of CD-R drives or recordable drives (especially earlier CD-R drives). If Windows shows no errors, the steps above did not resolve the issue, or you are running an operating system other than Windows, check with the drive manufacturer for updated drivers.

If Device Manager detects an error on the drive or if it has any other drives listed with errors, remove them and reboot the computer. If you are running Microsoft Windows, verify your drive is detected and listed in Device Manager with no conflicts or errors. Numerous driver-related issues may cause a CD-R drive or recordable drive to stop reading a CD-R disc.

Verify you have the latest drivers installed for the CD-R or recordable drive. Below is a listing of several steps and recommendations that can be taken to help resolve this issue.

Being unable to read recordable discs is a difficult issue to resolve because of all the different possible causes of this problem.

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