Drive D does not recognize that a blank CD has been inserted

[aob]

Using XP

On grandbaby's computer, which is a Dell Dimension C521, when I put a blank CD in the removable drive, the computer does not recognize it. After I have put the CD therein, I click on My Computer, click on DVD drive, I get a message that says Insert disk in drive D. It is as though it does not recognize a blank CD.
I also note that on my own computer, the drive is called DVD/CD-RW drive. On the baby's computer, it is called a DVD drive.
What is the problem? How can I burn files to the CD if there is no CD drive?

[Ridgerunr]

Are you sure the drive isn't just a DVD-ROM(read only) drive and not a burner? Take a look in device manager and see how it's recognized there.
If your sure it's a burner,you might try booting up in safe mode.Then go to device manager and delete all instances of it. On re-boot,the drivers will be re-installed. What burning program are you using?

[aob]

Ridgerunr:

Went to device manager, clicked on DVD/CD ROM drives and it shows
Sony DVD-ROM.
Why would Dell sell me a damn computer without a burner? I know it is my fault. Looked at the drive door and just assumed that it was a combination reader and burner, since all of my recent computers have had both.

Can I salvage this computer in some way? My grandbaby needs a burner for putting files on CD to take to school. Sometimes the assignment requires work be submitted on a CD, so a flash drive is not appropriate.

[SuperSparks]

DVD Burners are very cheap. Just add one if you have a drive bay spare, or replace the existing DVDROM drive if you don't - it's a 15 minute job. I like LG drives.

http://www.newegg.com/ProductSort/Su...ners-RW-Drives

[aob]

SuperSparks:

That is a great idea. And thanks for the link. I see them as cheap as $30.

My only concern is that I have a Dimension C521, which is the narrower case (4.5 inches across, instead of the 7.5 inches of most cases). The reader fits in vertically, rather than horizontally. I do not know whether that causes a problem. But, I presume a Reader/burner is no bigger than a reader and should fit.

However, it that is the case, why didn't Dell install a reader/writer rather just a reader? (Dell has now lost a long-time customer.)

[SuperSparks]

In that case, it might be worth checking to make certain that the burner is a standard desktop component and not a notebook drive. As long as it is a desktop model though there shouldn't be any problems fitting a replacement.

Dell were talking about not putting stickers on the case not so long ago, in order to save a couple of cents One of the reasons why I build my own PCs.

[Nix]

However, it that is the case, why didn't Dell install a reader/writer rather just a reader? (Dell has now lost a long-time customer.)

The entry level C521 has a

48X Max CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive (Burn/play CDs and watch DVDs)

according to this http://www1.ap.dell.com/content/prod...hs1&l=en&s=dhs