"The attempt to burn a disc failed. The media is not the right type for..."

Help!! I am new to macs and have been trying to burn a cd. I have created a playlist with music from my itunes and have clicked burn disk. Every time I do so I get the following message: "The attempt to burn a disk failed. The media is not the right type for the requested operation."
Can anyone help me as I am lost!?

Toast is a high end disk burning application
Do you know how to create a new user account? Or do you have more than one user of your Mac?
You can delete iTunes from the applications folder and all the iTunes prefs from the preferences folder found at _Macintosh HD/Users/YourUserName/Library/Preferences_ You are looking for three files in that folder
com.apple.iTunes.eq.plist
com.apple.iTunes.plist
com.apple.iTuneshelper.plist
trash those three files and the iTunes application then empty the trash, restart and empty the trash again if needed. Then download the latest version of iTunes from Apple and install it. Then try a burn.
The above procedure should NOT delete any songs or playlists you have made.
You can get iTunes here
Message was edited by: Damien

Similar Messages

"the attempt to burn a disc failed. you do not have enough access privileges for this operation"

I just changed my password for my apple i.d. so I could purchase a new album. I then bought the album, put it into a playlist to burn it to a cd-rw. And when i click ok to start the copy i keep getting this message "The attempt to burn a disc failed. You do not have enough access privileges for this operation" I have no idea what to do as to there is nothing on google except for write access. Which i don't need. Any suggestions?

Oddly enough. I think I just solved it. It looks like, for some reason, my computer has about 8 different "iTunes music" folders, and I've been saving my music to the wrong one. Neat. Music now imports and plays as it should. Copying things over is going to be so fun tonight!

I got an error message while burning a cd in itunes - "The attempt to burn a disc failed. The burn failed because of a medium write error. What is that and how can i fix it?t

I got an error message while burning a CD in iTunes - "the attempt to burn a disc failed. The burn failed because of a medium write error." What does this mean and how do I fix it?

The disk you are using probably has a defect, not uncommon on consumer grade disks. Try another disk or better yet another disk from a different manufacturer or at least a different batch.

I have an older iMAC that once burned CD's with no issues. Now I get an error message saying "The attempt to burn a disc failed. The device is not accessible, probably because it was removed". I have never had it touched so the device was not removed.Help

I have an olde iMac that once I have an older iMAC that once burned CD's with no issues. Now I get an error message saying "The attempt to burn a disc failed. The device is not accessible, probably because it was removed". I have never had it touched so the device was not removed. Please advise as to what could be the problem. How to fix. Thanks

Try resetting the SMC and PRAM first, if that doesn't help try a cleaning disc.....and then buy an inexpensive external burner. Slimline super drive failures are all too common.
To reset the SMC
Shut down the computer.
Unplug the computer's power cord.
Wait fifteen seconds.
Attach the computer's power cord.
Wait five seconds, then press the power button to turn on the computer.
Resetting NVRAM / PRAM
Shut down your Mac.
Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command (⌘), Option, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously in step 4.
Turn on the computer.
Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys before the gray screen appears.
Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the second time.
Release the keys.

I tunes: when trying to burn a playlist I keep getting the message: the attempt to burn a disc failed. The disc could not be read from or written to. I am using version 12

I tunes: I am using version 12 of I tunes. Ever since downloading it I get the message when trying to burn a playlist it says, The attempt to burn a disc failed. The disc could not be read from or written to.
I uninstalled V-12 and then reinstalled it. This enabled me to burn a disc again but after a couple of tries I received the same error message again. Has Apple put out a fix to this problem that anyone is aware of?
Thanks.

Hi rossfrombluffton,
Welcome to the Support Communities! The resource below provides some general things to consider when burning a disc with iTunes. I would also try burning a music CD and a data disc from a different application in the Windows OS and trying a different brand CD just to confirm the issue is not with the optical drive.
Can't burn a CD in iTunes for Windows - Apple Support
http://support.apple.com/en-ae/HT203173
Find out what to do if you can't burn an audio CD using iTunes for Windows. Sometimes an audio disc may not burn as expected. Here are some things to check.
Update iTunes
Download and install the latest version of iTunes for Windows.Check for unauthorized songs
iTunes will stop burning a disc if you purchased one or more of the songs in a playlist from the iTunes Store and the songs aren't authorized to play on your computer. This message should appear: "Some of the files can not be burned to an audio CD. Do you still want to burn the remainder of this playlist? For more information on why some files can not be burned, click below."
To find out which songs aren't authorized, play each song in the playlist. Songs that play are authorized. Songs that don't play aren't authorized. You'll be asked to authorize any unauthorized songs.Make sure your playlist will fit on a single CD
If there are too many songs in a playlist to fit on a single CD, iTunes should ask if you want to burn multiple discs or cancel the burn. This message should appear: "The songs in this playlist will not fit on one Audio CD. Do you want to create multiple Audio CDs with this playlist split across them? This will require more than one blank CD to complete."
If you click the Audio CDs button, the burn will continue and you'll be asked to insert blank CDs until the playlist is completely burned. If you click cancel, the burn will be canceled.
To make the playlist shorter so that it will fit on a single CD, select a song to remove from the playlist and choose Edit > Clear. Repeat this step until the duration of the playlist is between 60 and 80 minutes. The duration appears at the top of the playlist window. Most CD-R discs can hold 60 to 80 minutes of music.
Check how many times you've burned the playlist
An unchanged playlist that contains songs purchased from the iTunes Store can be burned no more than seven times.Additional steps and submitting feedback
Go to iTunes Support to get additional troubleshooting suggestions specific to your optical drive configuration or to submit feedback to Apple.Learn more
For additional troubleshooting, please see these steps:
Additional troubleshooting tips for burning issues
iTunes for Windows doesn't recognize my audio CDs
Last Modified: Feb 3, 2015
Have a good day ...
- Judy

The attempt to burn a disc failed...error 4310

Everytime I try and burn songs on a cd from one of my playlists, the cd burner will complete 7 or 8 songs and then give me the following error message:
The attempt to burn a disc failed. An unknown error occured (4310)
I updated iTunes to it's newest version and I'm still having the same problem. It will never burn more then 8 songs and occasionally it will give me this message before it even finishes one song. This is VERY frusterating and I've ruined countless blank cd's trying to get this to work!
I also tried looking at other topics on this board from people with the same problem but my question was not answered.
Please Help!
-Isaac
CD Diagnostics-
Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Service Pack 4 (Build 2195)
Dell Computer Corporation XPS-Z
iTunes 6.0.1.3
CD Driver 2.0.4.3
CD Driver DLL 2.0.3.2
LowerFilters: Cdr4_2K (5.3.2.31),
UpperFilters: GEARAspiWDM (2.0.4.3), Cdralw2k (5.3.2.31),
Video Driver: 32MB DDR NVIDIA GeForce2 GTS (Dell)\GeForce2 GTS
IDE\DiskWDCWD800JB-00JJA0_____________________05.01C05, Bus Type ATA, Bus Address [0,0]
IDE\CdRomSONYCD-RW__CRX160E_____________________1.0g___, Bus Type ATA, Bus Address [0,0]
If you have multiple drives on the same IDE or SCSI bus, these drives may interfere with each other.
Some computers need an update to the ATA or IDE bus driver, or Intel chipset. If iTunes has problems recognizing CDs or hanging or crashing while importing or burning CDs, check the support site for the manufacturer of your computer or motherboard.
Current user is administrator.
D: SONY CD-RW CRX160E, Rev 1.0g
Audio CD in drive.
Found 12 songs on CD, playing time 45:30 on Audio CD.
Track 1, start time 00:02:00
Track 2, start time 03:35:32
Track 3, start time 07:44:61
Track 4, start time 11:54:54
Track 5, start time 15:40:30
Track 6, start time 19:13:02
Track 7, start time 22:27:50
Track 8, start time 26:42:37
Track 9, start time 29:09:66
Track 10, start time 33:01:05
Track 11, start time 36:12:03
Track 12, start time 40:31:62
Audio CD reading succeeded.
Get drive speed succeeded.
The drive CDR speeds are: 1 2 4 8 10 12.
The drive CDRW speeds are: 1 2.

Hello bannahmontana
The article below will get you on your way to isolate the issue.
iTunes for Windows: iTunes Diagnostics, CD/DVD Drive Tests
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1567
Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.
Regards,
-Norm G.

The attempt to burn a disc failed. An Unknown error occurred

"The attempt to burn a disc failed. An Unknown error occurred (4450)"
This is the error message I get when I try to burn a CD.
This PC IS authorized.
These files have not been burned before.
This is a new Dell Dimension 9100 DVD/RW
I've burned CDs successfully on my laptop. So not sure why I can't do it on my new desktop?
Help?

hi neocat!
sometimes this message also shows up when your PC doesn't like a particular type of media. See:
william nehart, "4450 Error while burning" #17, 07:24pm Jul 19, 2005 CDT
love, b

The attempt to burn a disc failed. An unknown error occurred (-50)

Hey Guys,
Got the error message "The attempt to burn a disc failed. An unknown error occurred (-50) in iTunes.
I'm just trying to burn a few audio CDs.
Running most current verison of Mavericks, all software up to date.
I've tried changing the burning speeds from Maximum Possible, to 12x, 8x, 4x. Still get the error.
I've tried 3 brands of CD-Rs get the error on all 3.
Any suggestions?
Thx
CD

Error -50 is a very unhelpful generic communications error with a number of possible causes. Something between the drive to which you are downloading and the drive from which it is all coming is not working correctly, which probably leaves several hundred options.
Have you tried simply restarting the computer?

The attempt to burn a disc failed. An unknown error occurred (4310).

I have been able to burn CDs from music I bought off iTunes. I haven't had any problems until now.
I just purchased Mike Doughty's Haughty Melodic, the whole album. Everytime it gets almost done burning, it gives this error:
"The attempt to burn a disc failed. An unknown error occurred (4310)."
I have wasted 3 blank CDs trying to burn this. I have a lot of experience with computers, I know there is nothing wrong with my hardware.
Is this is a problem with one of the files? Is there some kind of sub-routine that iTunes runs when trying to burn a CD? I have no idea why this is happening.
Anyone have some advice?
Thanks
pimp Windows 2000

Hello bannahmontana
The article below will get you on your way to isolate the issue.
iTunes for Windows: iTunes Diagnostics, CD/DVD Drive Tests
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1567
Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.
Regards,
-Norm G.

The Attempt to burn a disc failed. An unknow error occurred (4000)

Itunes will start to burn and then stop and state that
"the Attempt to burn a disc failed. An unknow error occurred (4000)"
while burning a data Dvd back up
Here is the Run CD Diag
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 (Build 2600)
MSI MS-6712
iTunes 6.0.4.2
CD Driver 2.0.4.3
CD Driver DLL 2.0.3.2
LowerFilters: Cdr4_xp (7.5.0.50),
UpperFilters: GEARAspiWDM (2.0.4.3), Cdralw2k (7.5.0.50),
Video Driver: NVIDIA GeForce4 MX 440\GeForce4 MX 440
IDE\DiskWDCWD800JB-00ETA0_____________________77.07W77, Bus Type ATA, Bus Address [0,0]
IDE\CdRomJLMSXJ-HD166S__________________________DS1A___, Bus Type ATA, Bus Address [0,0]
IDE\CdRomLITE-ONDVDRW_SOHW-1633S________________BS0K___, Bus Type ATA, Bus Address [1,0]
If you have multiple drives on the same IDE or SCSI bus, these drives may interfere with each other.
Some computers need an update to the ATA or IDE bus driver, or Intel chipset. If iTunes has problems recognizing CDs or hanging or crashing while importing or burning CDs, check the support site for the manufacturer of your computer or motherboard.
Current user is administrator.
D: JLMS XJ-HD166S, Rev DS1A
Drive is empty.
E: LITE-ON DVDRW SOHW-1633S, Rev BS0K
Audio CD in drive.
Found 14 songs on CD, playing time 56:45 on Audio CD.
Track 1, start time 00:02:00
Track 2, start time 06:28:04
Track 3, start time 09:32:06
Track 4, start time 13:04:38
Track 5, start time 16:57:06
Track 6, start time 20:43:48
Track 7, start time 23:48:03
Track 8, start time 29:28:09
Track 9, start time 34:28:49
Track 10, start time 37:45:69
Track 11, start time 41:23:33
Track 12, start time 44:45:19
Track 13, start time 47:53:52
Track 14, start time 51:19:58
Audio CD reading succeeded.
Get drive speed succeeded.
The drive CDR speeds are: 8 16 24 32 40 48.
The drive CDRW speeds are: 8.
The drive DVDR speeds are: 8 16 24 32 40 48.
The drive DVDRW speeds are: 8 16 24 32 40 48.
The last failed data CD or DVD burn had error code 4000(0x00000fa0). It happened on drive E: LITE-ON DVDRW SOHW-1633S on DVD+R media at speed 16X.
please help
Clone Windows XP

try this...
This is how I managed to fix the problem...and I hope this helps others in the similar situation.
I tried with another program..latest version of Nero, and this was also stopping at the 'initialising' stage. I was now lost! I thought the last resort is to give Evesham (My PC manufacturer) a buzz. They were very helpfull. Basically go into 'Control Panel', 'System', and click on the Hardware tab, then 'Device Manager'. Uninstall everything in the DVD/CDRom Drives. Then uninstall everything under the catagory IDE ATA/Atapi disk controllers. This is where my problem was, as I only had one IDE channel here. You should have 4 or 5! Reboot your machine, and everything will automatically re-load. I tried burning using Nero and it worked. Then the big test was iTunes. It worked 1st time!
I asked why the IDE channels have dissappearred, and he said sometimes uninstalling Programmes occasionally removes them.
I hope this will help others who are having problems to burn stuff on iTunes.

HT2433 I purchased an external CD drive because the internal one died. When I try using the new drive I get the following msg "The attempt to burn a disc failed. The device is not accessable, probably because it was removed"

I purchased an external CD drive for my MacBook,the internaldrive had died. When I tried using the new drive I got the following msg "The attempt to burn a disc failed. The device is not accessable, probably because it was removed" I contacted OWC and tried to work the issue with them, we gave up and OWC sent me a replacement. I connected the replacement and am getting the same message. Any thoughts?

Try resetting the SMC and PRAM first, if that doesn't help try a cleaning disc.....and then buy an inexpensive external burner. Slimline super drive failures are all too common.
To reset the SMC
Shut down the computer.
Unplug the computer's power cord.
Wait fifteen seconds.
Attach the computer's power cord.
Wait five seconds, then press the power button to turn on the computer.
Resetting NVRAM / PRAM
Shut down your Mac.
Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command (⌘), Option, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously in step 4.
Turn on the computer.
Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys before the gray screen appears.
Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the second time.
Release the keys.

What does this mean: The attempt to burn a disc failed. The disc drive didn't respond properly and can't recover or retry.??

Is this an iTunes or disc issue? I have burned music to these disc before.
Error message: "The attempt to burn a disc failed. The disc drive didn't respond properly and can't recover or retry."
Using........
iTunes 10.7
Memorex Music CD-R 40X 700MB 80min
MacBook Pro
Mac OS X 10.7.5
2.4 GHz Core i5
4 GB 1333 MHz DDR3

Not sure. Try this:
Troubleshooting CD burning errors:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2955

ITunes 11.4 The attempt to burn a disc failed. The disc drive didn't respond properly and can't recover or retry.

27-inch, Late 2009
Processor 2.66 GHz Core i5
8 GB memory
Software OS X 10.9.5
iTunes 11.4
Can not burn a playlist in iTunes 11.4 to a CD, upon completion of the burn operation get error message, "The attempt to burn a disc failed. The disc drive didn't respond properly and can't recover or retry." Receive this message using 2 different external drives that are Apple compatible. 1. is a Pioneer SuperDrive that I had replaced from a previous Mac in a OWC enclosure, 2. the other is a OWC 8X Slim Portable USB 2.0 External. After receiving the error message I can re-insert the disc into the drive and it will mount the disc and it will list all the songs with the correct size, but none of them will play. iTunes then comes up asking me if I want to import the CD, at this time iTunes has a (not responding) status in Finder. Can burn from finder with no problem, only have issue in iTunes.
Background
Last year I took the iMac to the local Apple Store 3 times and they determined the optical drive was defective and replaced it, the last time even replacing the cable to it. When I attempt to burn playlist from internal Superdrive it states it can not burn due to media errors. I have tried Memorex, TDK and PNY media with the same results. I thought purchasing the OWC Slim Portable USB 2.0 External would resolve the issue. If I put a commercial audio CD into the Internal Superdrive it will not mount and will eject it, if I insert the commercial audio CD into the external drive it will mount and play. Now the extended warranty is expired on the iMac and I don't know what next to try.

After multiple attempts to both find an answer to this problem or to fix it myself I've given up and switched to a Windows PC. The same media works just fine at maximum write speed with no special tricks needed. I got my iMac specifically to manage my photographs and burn images for friends and family. It has been nothing but a big disappointment to say the least. To read messages saying I need to lower my write speed or buy more expensive CDs is just laughable. Unless I see something major change I'm sticking with my Windows PC.

The attempt to burn a disc failed, unknown error (261). Can't back up to CD

The attempt to burn a disc failed, unknown error (261). I get this message every time I try to back up my music from itunes on to a CD. It doesn't matter if I try to back up all music or only music purchased from itunes. So far I have not been able to back up anything. Can someone please help me!!!! I have tried everything on the support website from apple, and nothing has worked. I am beginning to get very frustrated.
Thanks

+I know my computer is up to date on firmware, because I just bought this laptop 4 months ago - it's a brand new Dell Inspiron 1721.+
Actually, in that case I definitely think you should check your firmware. I just had a look at the 32-bit Vista downloads page at Dell for your Inspiron 1721, and there's firmware updates listed there for four different drive models, all dated within the last four months.
Head to the following Dell page and enter your model information to get to your Downloads page:
Dell drivers and downloads

The attempt to burn a disc failed, unknown error (261) Can't back up on CD

The attempt to burn a disc failed, unknown error (261). I get this message every time I try to back up my music from itunes on to a CD. It doesn't matter if I try to back up all music or only music purchased from itunes. So far I have not been able to back up anything. Can someone please help me!!!! I have tried everything on the support website from apple, and nothing has worked. I am beginning to get very frustrated.
Thanks

+I know my computer is up to date on firmware, because I just bought this laptop 4 months ago - it's a brand new Dell Inspiron 1721.+
Actually, in that case I definitely think you should check your firmware. I just had a look at the 32-bit Vista downloads page at Dell for your Inspiron 1721, and there's firmware updates listed there for four different drive models, all dated within the last four months.
Head to the following Dell page and enter your model information to get to your Downloads page:
Dell drivers and downloads

Trying to burn a playlist in itunes and i get this message at the end 'The attempt to burn a disc failed. An nknown error occurred (4450)'. This is with a new Dell laptop running windows 8. The playlist was 17 songs from cd's and itunes. Any ideas?

Trying to burn a playlist in itunes and i get this message at the end 'The attempt to burn a disc failed. An nknown error occurred (4450)'. This is with a new Dell laptop running windows 8. The playlist was 17 songs from cd's and itunes. Any ideas?

try this...
This is how I managed to fix the problem...and I hope this helps others in the similar situation.
I tried with another program..latest version of Nero, and this was also stopping at the 'initialising' stage. I was now lost! I thought the last resort is to give Evesham (My PC manufacturer) a buzz. They were very helpfull. Basically go into 'Control Panel', 'System', and click on the Hardware tab, then 'Device Manager'. Uninstall everything in the DVD/CDRom Drives. Then uninstall everything under the catagory IDE ATA/Atapi disk controllers. This is where my problem was, as I only had one IDE channel here. You should have 4 or 5! Reboot your machine, and everything will automatically re-load. I tried burning using Nero and it worked. Then the big test was iTunes. It worked 1st time!
I asked why the IDE channels have dissappearred, and he said sometimes uninstalling Programmes occasionally removes them.
I hope this will help others who are having problems to burn stuff on iTunes.

"The attempt to burn a disc failed. The media is not the right type for..."

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