Why can't I burn cd's anymore?

[Tara.]

I've burnt cds on this computer just fine before - now they won't play. I have one that I've made and it says CD-R, and it plays. I just tried making one that says CD-R80, and doesn't. Is there a difference? Does it matter that I'm on the guest account ont he computer and not the administrator?

[Sheppy96]

I think the fact it has "80" on the end just means the length of time as 80 minutes for audio. If you can't play CD's either any more, it could be that the laser lens in the disc drive is dirty. Would post a link but I haven't made ten posts yet so I can't Try a google search for "ComputerDust CD drive" :P

Basically after removing the basic dust from inside by blowing compressed air into the disc-drive (not too high pressure), you need to put in a cleaning disc. This is basically a disc with small brushes on it that pass over the head of the laser and remove further dust, dirt and hair.

Just to clarify, is it all CD's that won't play or is it just the ones you have burned yourself?

~Sheppy96

[Tara.]

The cd's I burnt won't play on any cd player.

No error code at all and it shows that it's under 80 mins.

No offense (I'm not trying to attack you or anything), but, uh, "computer" is not very descriptive. Could you please give more info? What OS? 32-bit or 64-bit? What program are you using to burn your media? Again, info, please; you're giving out too little info.

Uh, I dunno. Windows media player worked just fine before.

Thanks!

[Sheppy96]

OK so the burnt CDs don't work at all :/ try putting a music CD in your computer. Does it work? How about a DVD? Seeing as we don't know the problem, its best to use an old CD/DVD. Not to put you off but once my friend had a completely screwed CD drive. Basically, you put a disc in, it scratched it up a load, then ejected itself 5 seconds later

[tk338]

I don't use windows, but if you want to make a CD that will play in a cd player, expecially if its an older one, you need to burn an 'audio cd'.

If you're just dragging and dropping files onto a cd you're probably creating an 'mp3 or data cd' which holds a lot more music, and will play on a computer, but not in most cd players.

If you're unsure, go >>>here<<< or if you don't want to click that link search 'create audio cd windows media player' into Google and click the top link.

On that page click on the link on that page I've highlighted below and follow those instructions.

If its not that, it COULD be that its just the cds you've bought?

[Tara.]

tk338 - you're a genuis! That was simple. I'm just dumb, appearently. Thanks!

Thank you all so much for your help! Appreciate it!