Cd burner cache problems...

[Evildead666]

Hi.

I have some problems with my CD drives.
The burners cache goes up and down like a yoyo when i burn a cd.
I tried to enable DMA but that didn't help. The discs were no longer detected.

I just reinstalled. It all worked perfectly b4.
It also uses a lot of the cpu to burn...80%.

what is wrong?

Jez

[Evildead666]

It happens with a LiteOn 24x and a Plextor 24x both ide.

i got it working b4, just can't remember how?
This always happens afetr a reinstall.....

Edit: Win2k pro with Nero burning rom
Athlon XP 1800+...see sig

[William]

You need to get DMA enabled. It being disabled is what is causing you the problems. ISTR that deleting the IDE controller from device manager & allowing windows to redetect on boot up can sometimes help fix this.

[Evildead666]

I enabled DMA, and it doesn't recognise any discs put in it.
i have looked on the PC at work, and they are all in pio mode only.
I might just try to re-install the ide controller.

I uninstalled the cdroms in hope that might do the trick, but nope, same old prob.

Will try the controller thing tonight.

Any other ideas are welcome!!!

[Evildead666]

do you have DMA enabled on your burner?

[William]

DMA is a must for the speeds you are talking about. I forget where the cut off was, but 24x is past it.

[K6-III]

Try updating the firmware, then enabling DMA...

https://www.firmware-flash.com

[WyWyWyWy]

I remember seeing a bug of win2k that, even if win2k says DMA is enabled, it actually is not.

IIRC sp3 fixed that.

Don't know whether it is the cause though.

[Evildead666]

I have sp3 installed (just got home )
Hmm, i'll try the dma thing again now. might work.
for the Liteon, there is only one bios, i checked y'day...sorry.
its the 24103S version. i have got the bios anyway, and will try to write it now. it should warn me if i am trying to put the same one on again....i think.
got the pdf about installing NERO from them too, could be a prob with the way it was installed(?) whatever.

Thank you all for your help, time to try it out!
Jez

[Pace]

Saw this problem on Broon's PC, so I'll be keeping a keen eye out for solutions

[Technoid]

You can also "see" if the DMA really IS enabled by doing soem benches with Nero CD speed

My plextor is much faster than My Sony DVD on straight read speeds, but it losses bigtime on seek times