Drive keeps ejecting Blank DVDs but will read DVD with media in it

I am at loss what to do. Whenever I put in DVD with media in it (including +R), it plays and reads it all just fine. CD data reads no problem too. However, when I put in a Blank DVD, it chugs and ejects it out completely.
Preferences are fine. It says 'Ask What to Do' is set when 'You insert a Blank DVD'
Here was how it started. Previously, I could put in a blank DVD and it would be just fine but I'm having problems burning after the 10.5.6 update. Read in a post somewhere to try resetting your PRAM which I did and now it won't accept the blank DVDs. Everything else is fine.
Would really appreciate ANY help I can get!
Hardware Overview:
Model Name: MacBook Pro 17"
Model Identifier: MacBookPro2,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2.33 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 4 MB
Memory: 4 GB
Bus Speed: 667 MHz
Boot ROM Version: MBP21.00A5.B08
SMC Version: 1.14f5
Serial Number: W86470M9X6C
Sudden Motion Sensor:
State: Enabled
MATSHITA DVD-R UJ-85J:
Firmware Revision: FAV1
Interconnect: ATAPI
Burn Support: Yes (Apple Shipping Drive)
Cache: 2048 KB
Reads DVD: Yes
CD-Write: -R, -RW
DVD-Write: -R, -RW, +R, +R DL, +RW
Write Strategies: CD-TAO, CD-SAO, DVD-DAO
Media: Insert media and refresh to show available burn speeds

Everything in your post indicates you're having the problem with a MacBook Pro. If that's the case, we need to get your post moved to the appropriate forum--it's currently in the iBook G4 forum.
If you're having troubles on the MacBook pro, I'll report your post so the hosts can move it for you.
~Lyssa

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Hi all,
I am currently using the 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo 20" iMac, about 4 months ago i had a problem with the superdrive on the imac and it would not eject a DVD i was using. It repeatedly tried to spit the DVD out every 30 seconds or so without any luck. After about 2 days it eventually spat the DVD out.
I was then hesitant to stick anything back in the drive in case the problem occured again. I then bought an external DVD drive and had no problems for the last 2/3 months or so with it until yesterday afternoon. I was trying to install the optional installs from the software that came with the iMac and it got half way through and said the disc was unreadable (which i thought was strange as its the first time the media had been out of the plastic wallet). I then thought nothing of it until early this morning when i tried to play a DVD on the external drive and it spins for about a minute and then spits the DVD out. This happens with any DVD i have tried films, to backup dvds to games and everything and nothing will read. I tried a CD this reads no problems at all.
I then tried the superdrive on the iMac and it also spits out DVDs after about a minute but will read a CD no problems at all but just not a DVD.
Does anyone have any clues to what has happened since yesterday as i used to be able to play every DVD i had on the external drive no problem. I have not installed any new software and there are no new updates to install on the OS and no firmware has been installed (all firmware is up to date).
The drives i am using are:
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HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GP08 LU10 (external drive - its an LG GP08 drive)
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Regards
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Hi Albos, This is a known problem. These superdrives die after a while. See the various threads on this site and the internet. I have the same problem with my Imac 20" 2.16 ghz. Just wants to burn and read cd's. Its has to do with the laser. For DVD an CD are two different laser and the one for DVD's has probably died in yours (as it did in mine). I bought an external LG burner and problem solved. (And a lot cheaper than replacing the superdrive)
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Hello there,
My apologizes, I know that there are different threads throughout several discussions on this or something that may seem very similar but regrettable I have not been able to find a solution.
I have a first generation Black MacBook running 10.5.2, I had a problem with my drive and in November Apple replaced it under apple care. Currently I have a :
MATSHITA DVD-R UJ-857:
Firmware Revision: HBEA
Interconnect: ATAPI
Burn Support: Yes (Apple Shipping Drive)
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CD-Write: -R, -RW
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2. When i try to record my own CD-r from a new spool it looks like it will burn but I get an error saying "... calibration problem . . ." and the disk fails.
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I have tried to hold my MacBook upside down no Luck
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In Peace,
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Re: Mac Book / 10.5.2 ~ Keeps ejecting CD-R but DVD's seem okay.
Posted: Mar 14, 2008 9:25 PM
Did this happen right after you got it back from Apple?
No it did not had burned over 50 disks before it began.. Started within the last 2 weeks. Cannot recall any particular change I made to the machine to prompt or trigger this.
If so, you should of sent it back then.
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Hi Albos, This is a known problem. These superdrives die after a while. See the various threads on this site and the internet. I have the same problem with my Imac 20" 2.16 ghz. Just wants to burn and read cd's. Its has to do with the laser. For DVD an CD are two different laser and the one for DVD's has probably died in yours (as it did in mine). I bought an external LG burner and problem solved. (And a lot cheaper than replacing the superdrive)
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Welcome to the HP Forums, I hope you enjoy your experience!
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Which Windows operating system am I running?
Is the Windows Version on My Computer 32-bit or 64-bit?
Please re-post with the necessary information, this way I will be able to research this further for you. I look forward to your reply!
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MechPilot
I work on behalf of HP
Please click “Accept as Solution ” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Drive keeps ejecting Blank DVDs but will read DVD with media in it

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