Peter-
Don't know what would cause the symptoms you describe. Suggest you run a 
cleaner disk. Could just be a dirty laser lens.You might go to this site and 
look around. They had a procedure for recovering from a bad firmware  flash. 
My grandson has been using the BTC 1004 for several years with no problems. 
I have been using a Benq DW1240 for over a year with no problems. It will 
record to most any media I put in it. Benq's are designed by Phillips but 
manufactured by Benq and are marketed by many brands. Mine came in a 
"Pacific Digital" box for $29.99 w/rebate at Fry's.This site has help for 
most any cd or dvd drive.
http://club.cdfreaks.com/forumdisplay.php?f=84

HTH
John Dinges 

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