Disk Format Error Message...

Hello
I have just finished installing Windows XPsp2 and am trying to install additional software. When I put a disk into my Sony DVDrw 18x cdrom drive, I get the error message:
"Windows cannot read from this disk. The disk might be corrupted, or it could be using a format that is not compatible with Windows."
After google-ing the message, some people suggested reinstalling Windows. I was wondering if there was some other solution. My hd is in NTFS format.
Thanks!

try another disk... if it doesn't work then check the cabling and whether the drive is set to Slave or Master and that the cable is connected properly.

If so you might try and replace the cable.

If all that fails too and you're using a known good disk then it's either the drive or the ide connector on the mobo.

hi.
since the cd is not scratched and it sok.
then use
isobuster to extract the files.
www.isobuster.com

Maybe it's DVD -R instead of DVD +R or vice versa?

Try putting in the Windows CD itself that you installed from - can Windows read that?

I was suggesting that the format of the disk you were putting in might be incompatible with the capabilities of the DVD drive - some can only read -R or +r disks.

However, now you say that it can't even read your Windows disk, then you really do seem to have a weird problem.

I assume you've tried multiple disks just in case your Windows disk got scratched after you installed.

It isn't a connector issue as otherwise Windows wouldn't even know there was a disk in there so you wouldn't get the error message.

And it's not a faulty drive as you've had it replaced.

I suppose it's time to try the Windows re-install...

I would also like to add: my event viewer shows that I am gettin this error:

The driver detected a controller error on \device\cdrom0

I cant get more information becasue I cant install the hardware to use a wireless device, as I dont have a hardline for internet right now.

If by drivers you mean the firmware, I already updated it to the latest level. I also unisntalled all IDE drives and the cd rom drive so that they would be redetected. Still no luck, getting the same initial error. I have a truly unique problem!

it really is begining to sound like a controller problem or you don't have the cable hooked up right.

Is the Drive set to master or slave?

If the drive is set to maser did you connect the very end of the cable to the drive? Made sure you connected the right end to the motherboard?

If you set the Drive to slave then the middle connector should be attached to the drive. If you did do that replace the cable. If that doesn't do it then it sounds like the ide controller on the Mobo.