what i don't understand is any burning programme i use seems to recognise the external usb 2.0 dvd rewriter but the problem only happens when i try and burn the discs. Any ideas where on the windows site i should look for this?

start with "usb + burner" as search pattern

Thanks for all your help guys but i have now resolved the problem. The problem was to do with the usb connection. The external dvd rewriter i purchased was usb 2.o but my laptop only had usb 1.o and the device was not functioning at the right speed hence the error messages anyway as there was no scope to upgrade on the laptop to usb2.0 i bought an external firewire freecom dvd re-writer and it works a treat.

Thanks for this info that can be helpfull for future reference.

no problems me just doing my bit for a great helpful site and saving someone the time and effort in future.