If CD-R's no longer play read this as possible fix

Question

Hi,
After going round and round with Applecare and CompUSa the
store that sold me my eMac 1.0 ghz (stock 128mb ram) 40 gb HD.
Issue was no longer able to play any type of burned CD's or burn CD's (photos/music etc)
Comp USA at point of sale upgraded the ram (at my request and purchase) ti 1GB of Ram (two 512 sticks) well on the last contact with Applecare A hardware test was run (use your included Emac (or Imac ) Hardware test cd , one stick of ram
failed and I got a error code and
that read:
* eerror* /3/4/: Dimm1?J1601 (top slot of two for ram)
Applecare refused to take responsibility for the ram as it was not Apple Ram, Comp USA failed to take responsibilty
for the failed ram as I did not purchase a extended warranty for ram that had a lifetime warranty, fortunately the service person gave me the 128mb stick of ram, I changed out the bad 512 mb stick of ram, inserted the 128 mb ram (now have 640mb and guess what CD-R's now play and I can also burn to Cd-r (Comp USA quoted me over $400.00 for service
data back up and new ram. I spent zero. I do have to go back
after the manufacturer of the failed ram (good luck) but if I can locate them the 512mb stick of ram cost $130.00 so hopefully I can recoup that. Comp USA kindly said they would help me ID the manufacturer's location and customer service
of course being installed 3rd party ram I have no box or package just a receipt but I and the family are happy!
We have 4 macs. I will not waste my money on Applecare
though in the future.
Hope this helps as I noted about 30 similiar posts with CD-R
issues in this forum
Best of Luck!

Answer 1

dwwave,
I'm not aware of any OS X system setting or user preference that would distinguish between a commercial (pressed) CD and a burned (dye layer) CD-R. The is a physical difference in that the two types of discs reflect the CD laser LED light slightly differently; commercial pressed discs are in general more reflective. If there's a thin coating of grome or dust on the CD optics, especially the lens, that could account for reading commercial CDs but failing on burned CD-Rs. A pass or two (or three) with a CD lens cleaner kit may suffice to restore operations. If a lens cleaner doesn't help, then by all means contact an Apple Authorized Service Provider since the Mac is under warrenty. If the drive's LED power putput is failing, that would give the same symptoms and no amount of lens cleaning would help; replacement of the drive would then be called for.