Pioneer DVD-RW DVR-108 Firmware issue

I recently updated the firmware on my burner to v1.20 from V1.18.

Since then I have had nothing but problems. Either the burn will fail or, and this is the most common failure recently, my XP Pro system will lock up shortly after the burn process starts. Reading seems to be OK as is writing image/files to the hdd.

I've used two different burning software, and a couple of different discs including DVD-RW, so have to assume it is the v1.20 firmware that is causing the problem as everything was OK before the update (The drive itself is about 3 years old if I recall). I have also set the max speed back to 16X to match the burner. I haven't tried a CD write as yet.

After the update I got the Update Completed OK message and did a reboot so no reason to assume the update wasn't successful.

Looking at the Pioneer site it says once updated it is not possible to go back to an earlier version.

Anyone got any ideas as to how I can cure the problem or have I to assume the burner willl need binning.
Thanks