Computer help forum: Why won't my discs burn correctly?

Unlikely. What is the most likely scenario here is the rather simple, yet almost always overlooked, and sometimes vehemently denied even in the face of pretty overwhelming evidence, is that your optical drive is failing. Optical drives fail... A lot. It might well be one of the single most common hardware repairs done.

It's also possible you just have a bad batch of discs, and like to buy the real el cheapo discs at that. Not all blank CD/DVDs are created equal. There are about 5 companies that make blank discs, and depending on what chemicals they use to coat the recordable side with, the results will vary significantly when it comes to the end result. The more expensive discs will be far less error prone and also last significantly longer if cared for properly. Cheap discs will frequently have errors, and even if cared for perfectly, usually fail within a couple of years. However, I have to say the fact that you get a pretty consistent set of problems the idea of a bad batch of discs is a bit unlikely. Still a possibility, and if you have another batch of discs you could try testing with that'd be great, but it seems more likely that your optical drive has gone bad and needs to be replaced.

1. An external USB DVDRW drive. I used to say change the drive but many of today's users are just that and need simple devices.

2. Cleaning the lens on the existing drive. You didn't list that.

3. OTHER MEDIA. Different make and please, no 100 pack no-name cake box!
Bob

I'll add to the comments already posted. More than likely the drive has gone bad or is dirty, use a lens cleaner to help there. Since, this is a laptop then replacement will be more costly, but remove and find label on drive and shop around. the real quick way is to buy an USB ext. drive and just leave everything else as is. IMO, I stay away from Memorex and you've noticed they are usually cheaper than other brands and you can guess the reason. Mainly, I won't use these for prolonged storage of media or what I deem critical data.

tada -----Willy