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Can't write or format CD-R on Win 10

I see lots of others withe the same problem but no solution.  I tried uninstalling the drive and re-booting, also updating driver and troubleshooting.  No help  --same on all three of my laptops.  The CD drives can read files fine, but when I insert a blank CD-R windows says it doesn't recognize the disk, needs to be formatted -- but there is no "format" on the right-clock menu.  Has anyone solved this?
Hi DavidH44, how are you?

I am an independent consultant and user like you!

I'm happy to help you!

This is because there is no nad on the disc! But you don't need to format it! This is a process performed while recording the disc!

You can format it for reuse, only if it is a rewritable CD-RW!

I imagine that you are putting the disk empty so that you can write to it, right?

Open the File Explorer, click on "This PC"

When inserting the disc nothing appears? If possible send a screenshot!

What version of your Windows on the machines have you tried?

> Simultaneously press "WIN + R", type "winver" and click "OK".
> The version will be on the second line

Compare the version with that of the other computers that tried to insert the disc, and post it here.

Let me know what happened!

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NOTE:

  • This is not just my problem: There have been numerous complaints for years and if there is a solution I don't see it.

  • Version is not the issue, it has been going on for years and win reports my Pro and Home versions and all drivers are up to date.

  • I don't see a way to upload screenshots but the info is below:

    • All my laptops read files off CDs just fine

    • None of the recognize blank CD-R or DVD-R on internal or external drives.

    • One computer does nothing when I insert a blank. The other gives me this message:

      • Windows can't read the disc in Drive D:\ Make sure your disc uses a format Windows recognizes. If the disc is unformatted, you need to format it before using it.

    • Format is not an option on the right-click menu.

  • It has been so long since I was able to do this that my memory is bad, but I think you used to be able to copy files to a blank CD-R and then you had a choice about how to format it accodind to where you wanted it to be readable. I tried dragging files to the disc but it could not be done.

I hope someone can help.

4 people found this reply helpful

·

Was this reply helpful?

Sorry this didn't help.

Great! Thanks for your feedback.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site.

How satisfied are you with this reply?

Thanks for your feedback.

NOTE:

  • This is not just my problem: There have been numerous complaints for years and if there is a solution I don't see it.

  • Version is not the issue, it has been going on for years and win reports my Pro and Home versions and all drivers are up to date.

  • I don't see a way to upload screenshots but the info is below:

    • All my laptops read files off CDs just fine

    • None of the recognize blank CD-R or DVD-R on internal or external drives.

    • One computer does nothing when I insert a blank. The other gives me this message:

      • Windows can't read the disc in Drive D:\ Make sure your disc uses a format Windows recognizes. If the disc is unformatted, you need to format it before using it.

    • Format is not an option on the right-click menu.

  • It has been so long since I was able to do this that my memory is bad, but I think you used to be able to copy files to a blank CD-R and then you had a choice about how to format it accodind to where you wanted it to be readable. I tried dragging files to the disc but it could not be done.

I hope someone can help.

To save you trouble in replying:

  • FIX disappeared years ago; troubleshooting didn't help

  • All my versions are up to date but the problem has existed throuhg many versions, ayt least 2-3 years.

  • Yes, I have tried more than one dish DOH.

  • Please don't repeat answers that have been posted before like the device mgr idea. I already uninstalled and re-installed the drives. I've tried all the suggestions except editing the registry which I didn't think would work but may try on my old laptop.

  • Please don't respond just because you want to increase your count.

8 people found this reply helpful

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Last updated April 18, 2025 Views 3,341 Applies to: