Factory installed DVD CD Rom doesn't copy

[dackelmonster]

The DVD/CDrom writer fails to write to blank discs (formatted or not). I have tried +R and -R, as well as +RW and -RW discs and nothing, works. The model of drive that came with the computer is a hp HL DS DVDRW Gudon. The driver info is dated 21 June 2008 and is version 10 0 17 134 137 Microsoft signature. I thought maybe this was a driver issue however from what I can find there's not a driver update available and usually one is not available for factory installed DVD/CDroms. MY PC is NOT under warranty.  The drive is not useless. I can play movies with it but that's about it. Should I look for a replacement drive?

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

Yes that or run a laser cleaner disk. That may or may not help. Optical drives have multiple functions which use multiple wavelength lasers and it often happens one function stops working while others keep working. The only fix is a new optical drive and their prices have dropped like a rock since there is no longer a great demand for them. 

Post back if you need help finding one or accept as solution if this is the info you needed.