jaybpool,
DVD-R is similar to CD-R in that it is a write-once medium. It is also a DVD recordable format which typically can store 4.71 GB data. Are you sure your drive is capable of burning DVDs?
What's the brand name and speed rate of your blank Dvd dash R's.
Nero infotool will tell you,and it'll also give you the firmware version.
Dvd + (Plus)and Dvd -(Dash) are 2 different formats. Either can be burned for movies,data-depending on your dvd-rw drive. The formats come in when it's time to view those backups on stand alone players,pc drives,game consoles,etc.Some drives can be picky as to what format they'll play.
1)Some of the older drives were single format. The newer drives in the last 3 or so years have been dual format,so either should work.Example:If you got an NEC 1100A,then the dash won't work because it was a Plus format only drive.
2) Some of the older dual format may have trouble with the faster 16x media. Then it may need a firmware update to know how to properly burn this newer media.The MID code of your blank media may not be programmed into the burners firmware.
3) A drive can get lost from time to time,making it look like you have a cd drive instead of a dvd drive. Then usually going through device manager,uninstall drivers to that drive,and rebooting takes care of it if you have XP.
4) Some blank dvd media out there is total junk. Gotta watch out. There's even fake media out there:Crappy manucturers using the MID code or claiming to be a quality brand name. Not all dvd blank media is alike.
Post back the answers to my questions and we'll have a clearer picture.
