Possible bad Superdrive - would like to confirm opinion

Question

The specs:
iMac G5 w/ iSight
2.1 GHz
1 GB RAM
OS 10.4.10
Drive = MatsushitaDVD-R UJ-486
Revision = FA0G
Serial number = this is blank for some reason
Detachable = No
Protocol = ATAPI
Unit number = 0
Socket type = internal
Burn support:
Cache = 2048 KB
Reads DVD = Yes
CD-Write = -R, -RW
DVD-Write = -R, -RW, +R, +RW, +R DL
Burn Underrun Protection CD = Yes
Burn Underrun Protection DVD = Yes
Write Strategies = CD-TAO, CD-SAO, DVD-DAO
Media = No
The symptoms:
When using DVDSP4 to build and burn a DVD, the DVD fails to burn almost every time. When using Disk Utility to burn an image built by DVDSP4, the burn fails about 80% of the time with the error "could not calibrate laser power level for this media".
Also, new symptom: iMac will not start up from CD or DVD. I need this function to repair permissions and run maintenance utilities. Apple logo comes up during startup, but after a few minutes, the No System Folder symbol (or Empty Set symbol). Symptom occurs when using Tiger DVD, original OS DVD and Tech Tool Pro CD.
Burning problem began about two months ago. System startup problem was only recently noticed.
Changes:
Recently, my company purchased Fuji white inkjet hub-printable DVD-R media for client projects. Before then, we used a generic brand from Edgewise Media (may have been unlabeled Fuji), IOMega brand, Maxell and Verbatim discs. All were white inkjet printable, but not all were hub-printable. It seems that the symptoms began with this new Fuji media, as the first one used was the first one to give me the problem. However, other media does not seem to be any better anymore. Only CD burning seems to be 100% effective. It is possible that this particular media somehow damaged my Superdrive. The media does not work in my Dual 1GHz G4 Superdrive, yet it works perfectly fine in another iMac G5 with the exact same specs, and my iBook G4.
The question:
Basically, I would like to know if anyone else has had a similar problem, and what was done about it. To me, it seems like a hardware failure, but since I cannot start up from a CD, I cannot use Hardware Test to find out. As I have been reading the threads, there seems to be a similar "this machine is a year old and never gave me this problem before" theme. My feeling is that I need to replace the drive using the Applecare warranty. The other option would be to get an external drive, which I don't want to do. Any ideas, thoughts or suggestions? Would Target Disk mode allow me to check the hardware?

Answer 1

A few suggestions:
See if your Superdrive needs cleaning. Cleaning kits can be purchased from any store that sells CD/DVDs.
Make sure the CD/DVDs you are trying to use are not scratched and/or dirty.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=50448 How to Handle and Clean CD and DVD Discs
Another help source (if you haven't already done so).
Go to your OS Help Menu. In the search field type dvd
Click on all the troubleshooting topics & Support Articles that pertain to your issue.
You can also do the same in Disk Utility. Open same up.
At the bottom left of the window, click on the purple button w/the "?" in the middle.
This will bring up the Help Menu.
Regarding your computer not starting up from your System DVD, try a 3rd party utility CD like DiskWarrior and/or TechTool Pro. Make sure you use the version compatible to your current OS.
If none of the above works and/or no other user chimes in here, then I suggest that you contact AppleCare & get your $$$ worth before you consider purchasing any hardware. AC warranty covers hardware issues.
You can also use the Chat with a Support Agent for support. The online chat support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
BTW: I would like to thank you for describing your problem & your system in such detail. This makes it easier for the knowledgeable users to properly help you.
Good luck!