Combo drive won't burn CDs or read DVDs

My finace renectly purchased a new iBook G4 in early October, and the combo drive has never been able to burn CDs or read DVDs. Is this a common problem with iBooks? Is it a software problem or a hardware problem? How do we go about getting it fixed without Applecare? Any help/info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Zach
[email protected]

Hi, Zach. Welcome to Apple Discussions.
You have found the G3 Dual USB iBook Forum, but I can help you out a bit. The warranty on the iBook gives you free phone support for any and all issues for 90 days. Use it. For full information on the warranty in plain language, check out Rachel's helpful FAQ Is phone support and warranty service free?
I recommend that your fiancée buy AppleCare. If you have any problems whatsoever with a new iBook within the first year of its eligibility, it is foolhardy to not purchase AppleCare if it is available where you live.
For future reference, the iBook G4 Discussions can be found here:
http://discussions.apple.com/category.jspa?categoryID=131

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****************System Information****************
[MSI_Info]
OS Version:      WinXP
LUS Version:      3.73.000
Language:      2057
MB Model Name:      MS-6593
MB BIOS Vendor:      AMIBIOS
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VGA BIOS Version:   UNKNOWN
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Name:         Microsoft Windows XP Professional|C:\WINDOWS|\Device\Harddisk0\Partition1
Manufacturer:      Microsoft Corporation
Version:      5.1.2600
CSD Version:      Service Pack 2
Windows Directory:   C:\WINDOWS
Boot Device:      \Device\HarddiskVolume1
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Free Virtual Memory:   2008 MB
Total Visible Memory:   512 MB
Free Physical Memory:   231 MB
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Locale:         0409
State:         OK
[System]
User Name:      WINXP-STEVE
Description:      AT/AT COMPATIBLE
Model:         MS-6593
Manufacturer:      MSI
Number Of Processors:   1
Total Physical Memory:   512 MB
System Type:      X86-based PC
System Wake Up Type:   APM Timer
Power Supply State:   2
Power Manage. Support:   null
Bootup State:      Normal boot
[BIOS]
Name:         Version 1.00
Manufacturer:      American Megatrends Inc.
Version:      AMIINT - 10
Serial Number:      00000000
Release Date:      04/02/2001
Target Operat System:   Unknown
Language:         English
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Name:         Physical Memory
Memory Device Locator:   DIMM1
Memory Bank Label:   RAS 0 & 1
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BH
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Make it easier for other people to find solutions by marking a Reply 'Accept as Solution' if it solves your problem.

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****Please mark Accept As Solution if it solves your problem****
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Microsoft MVP - Windows Experience

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