As Jess has pointed out, Packet Writing (the process using a cd-rw as if it
were a diskette, dragging and dropping files on it), is not the most
reliable way to make cd-r or cd-rw's.  Your problem would go away if you
would use the Roxio wizard method  to write the cd, instead of packet
writing with windows explorer.  I suppose a new cd-rom drive would have
better support for a packet written cd-rw, but since I have a large
installed population of old cd-roms I don't use packet writing.
Tom Turak

-----Original Message-----
From: Larry Stewart [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Friday, August 02, 2002 6:37 AM

What is the determining factor on whether a CD-ROM drive will read or even
recognize a CD/R or CD/RW?

Here's the reason for my question. I had made a number of CD/Rs and CD/RWs
on a WIN98 machine using a 16/10/40a PlexWriter. A new WIN98 machine with an
old "HEX-Speed" Creative Labs CD-ROM would not recognize the backed up file
data on either media. As well, it would not recognize an MP-3 music CD/R
made with the same application (Easy CD Creator 5 Platinum). For the backed
up file data, the CD/Rs and CD/RWs were formatted first before the data was
written to it using Easy CD Creator. The data was written to it by Windows
Explorer.

              The NOSPIN Group is now offering Free PC Tech
                     support at our newest website:
                          http://freepctech.com