Wall of text. Paragraphs, please!
DVD drives have finite lifespans, and generally only last for 2,000 hours of use. Some last longer, some last far shorter. The brand/model of drive can make a huge difference here. LiteOn units, of course, that LiteOn drives, which are very average drives for lifespans.
Generally, -/+RW discs cannot be read first, being rather poor at reflectivity.
Then -/+R write-once discs go next, especially the discs with poorer reflectivity (non-AZO).
Finally, even ROM discs cannot be used.
Basically, the drive is dead. You need to find a "new" (used) LiteOn DVD burner drive that can be swapped out. Perhaps even find another LiteOn recorder -- probably any model -- and steal the drive. (Or, put the old recorder in the closet, and use the new one.)
You can make discs region free -- just rip and copy the disc. Part of that process is region restriction removal. There's not been a true need for region-free players for years now. See
http://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/home...s-regions.html