Try updating the firmware of your optical drive from this link

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd&releaseid=R98477&SystemID=INSPIRON%209300&os=WW1&osl=en&deviceid=7677&devlib=0&typecnt=1&vercnt=1&formatcnt=1&fileid=128131

 

That driver update is for a NEC 6500 but my drive is NEC 6550.  I went to the NEC website and didn't see any updates for the 6550 (only 6500).  I don't I can go back if this is the wrong driver.  Do you think I should still try this firmware update?  

It won't allow you to update with the 6500 firmware.  I've got the same problem with my DVDRW on a 9300.  Call it in.  They gotta push NEC for a firmware update. 

Message Edited by Arkidata on 10-06-2005 07:10 PM

If the drive does not have a formware listed on the Dell site then the drive does not require a formware yet , firmware is only put up once the developers feel the device needs a patch or an update . So if your drive is not listed there then dont try to download a firmware for any other models

I called NEC support about the DVD problem.  They definitely said not use the 6500 firmware on the 6650.  The support person felt that the firmware only update new media types and read/write speeds.  He didn't think a firmware upgrade would solve the DVD problem.  He thinks its is a software issued and suggested reinstalling/updating the Uninversal Disk Format (UDP) drivers.  Does anyone know where I can obtain these?  Are they on the installation disks?

I meant call it in to Dell not NEC. 

 

I had the same problem as you with my 6650A.  I could burn with no problems.  I could view orginal DVDs with no problems, but I wasn't able to read 90% of my DVD+Rs.  I would go as far as 99%.  Even the ones that I burned on the same drive.

I called the problem in with Dell.  They mailed me a new drive.  Just as a FYI, the 6650As shipping with our inspirons do not use the default firmware on an OEM 6650A you buy from a store.   Check out the different firmwares available for our drives:  http://liggydee.cdfreaks.com/page/6650/

For Dell, they have a 102c and a 202c.  But those of us on 102c cannot upgrade to 202c from Dell's support page.  If you're the experimenting type, you can actually download the upgrade from that site and do it yourself, but chances are you will void your warranty. 

Do as I did, call Dell service.  Explain the problem to them.  They'll make you do a bunch of diagnostics and trying this and that.  It won't work, and than they'll ship you a new drive.  I've got a new drive now and no problems.

 

 

btw,  I never had to reinstall any of my software (ie Nero).  Just swapped the drive with the replacement, and all was well.

Thanks for the warning...  I have tried everything: disabling, enabling, uninstalling, reinstalling, looking for drivers from Dell, NEC, etc to no avail.  Then I called the service number, only to get disconnected after being on the phone for nearly 30 minutes.  This is my first - and probably last - Dell laptop.  Live and learn...