Troubleshooting Compact Disc Recordable and Re-Writable Drives in Windows 98 Second Edition (237948)

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Windows 98 Second Edition does not include protected-mode drivers for CD-R or CD-RW drives that support writing data to optical discs. Support for writing data to optical discs in Windows requires the installation of third-party software. To troubleshoot CD-R and CD-RW drives, you can use the same troubleshooting steps you would use for CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drives to resolve problems with reading a CD-ROM.

The first step in troubleshooting a problem reading a CD-ROM with a CD-R or CD-RW drive is to determine whether the drive is supported by a Windows protected-mode driver or if real-mode drivers are required.

Windows provides protected-mode driver support for CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives by including protected-mode drivers for Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) and small computer system interface (SCSI) controllers. If Windows includes a protected-mode driver for the device to which your CD-R or CD-RW drive is connected, you should be able to read a CD-ROM with the protected-mode driver. If Windows does not include a protected-mode driver for your controller, you may need to use the real-mode drivers provided by the drive's manufacturer.

NOTE: For information about how to use the real-mode drivers, consult the documentation included with the drive.

For information about how to determine if Windows includes protected-mode drivers for your controller, please click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: If your controller is supported by a Windows protected-mode driver, determine whether there is a problem with the protected-mode driver that prevents the reading of a CD-ROM. Click Start, point to Setting, click Control Panel, double-click System, and then click the Performance tab. Check for any drives using MS-DOS Compatibility mode.

For information about troubleshooting MS-DOS Compatibility mode, please click the article numbers below to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: 130179 Troubleshooting MS-DOS Compatibility Mode on Hard Disks

If no drive is using MS-DOS Compatibility mode and the CD-R or CD-RW drive still does not read a CD-ROM, please contact the manufacturer of your controller card or drive for a possible firmware or driver update.

If the drive works in Windows but you are unable to use the CD-R or CD-RW software to write data to the drive, contact the software's manufacturer to inquire about resolving the issue or obtaining an updated version of the program.