get this message when trying to burn a CD or DVD: (?Seek, synch, ATIP or mechanical positioning error ? hardware error.? [04/09/01]). Firmware is 1.03. The burn button in Nero is grayed out and then it locks up. I have to end the task to get out. Windows recognize the burner but the burner doesn't recognize anything I put in. I have it as the master on the secondary IDE port. Running windows XP SP2. I also tried different brands of disk but that doesn't seem to be the problem. Anybody seen this before? Any help is appreciated.
I have to admit I've never seen anything like that before. Every type of a DVD burner had work for me without problems.
My thoughts turn to Windows XP SP2. I've ran into an issue where Nero refused to cooperate completely with a CDR burner. That was strangely solved by reverting back to SP1. Of course, it's hard to point out if this is actually a Windows issue (an unlikely scenario).
Did you check, how it reacts to a standard pressed (silver-backed) CD? Does it recognize that either?
I would suggest you turn to the manufacturer's page and get an updated firmware (if available).
If that doesn't help, your drive is likely to be defective and should be replaced.