Pioneer DVR-X162Q DVD writer not working, won't burn DVD-R

[nick_27]

Pioneer external dvd/cd writer DVR-X162Q

I've tried burning data dvd-r's with this, using various software programs and
blank media. I've tried just about everything.

Before I scrap it and buy an external hard drive, is there anything I might have overlooked,
such as a driver issue?

[lordsmurf]

DVD burner drives have a lmited lifespan, either 2-5 years, or about 2,000 hours.
Environment plays a large part of it too: humidity, smokers.
As does the frequency and longevity of use sessions, which can cause it to overheat and kill component prematurely.

A DVD player/burner recorder dies in this order:

1. Stops playing-reading-recording-burning DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+RW
2. Stops playing-reading-recording-burning DVD-R, DVD+R
3. Stops playing-reading DVD-ROM

If it doesn't do both #1 and #2, but still #3, it's probably toast. If it does nothing, it's toast.

This assumes the computer sees the drive, including burning/playing software.