Firmware is constantly being updated. it allows your PC to write better to existing discs provides you with more discs to choose from and removes "bugs" found in prior firmware. It behooves you to keep your firmware as well as all your PC's drivers and system up-dates, up-to-date.
There are some things we should check as they have a direct influence over how our drive behaves -
1. Let's check for up-to-date Firmware for your burner.
"OK, so what is this "Firmware" garbage?" Fair question. Firmware is a "tutor" who's job it is to "introduce" all the different kinds of media to your burner and to tell your burner a little bit about it. What type of media it is and at what speed to burn it. As new media is introduced OR, as the Mfgrs of your burner find new ways to use it, new Firmware updates OR "Flash upgrades" come out to "school" your burner, keeping it up-to-date.
At the bottom of the page look for "What's my firmware? - Try this little tool I found," Download this tool and check out your Firmware's health (up-to-date wise). You can probably get a current upgrade there also ?