DVD drive doesn't recognize mini dvd!

[MarleneD]

Greetings everyone,
I'm having problems recording.  I try to copy a mini dvd-r disc from my "D" drive (Samsung DVD-ROM) onto a regular size DVD-R disc (E drive is NEC DVDRW DL) but my D drive doesn't recognize the mini dvd.  The D drive opens up with a message informing me to place the disc to be copied into the drive!
Can anyone help me figure out this problem?  I've copied the same kind of discs before with no problem but, it seems that after a couple of months with the upgraded software this problem has occured.
The software I use is Roxio Easy Media Creator 8.  Could it possibly be a physical problem with the drive?  What can I do?
Thanks  

[patio]

Usea q-tip and alcohol (not the consumable variety ) and clean the laser lens...

[GX1_Man]

Would that be Denatured Alcohol (available at any pharmacy)?

[patio]

That's the stuff ! !
 

patio.    8-)

[MarleneD]

Thanks, I will try that.  Gotta run to a BBQ right now but will try it tomorrow.  I'm a bit skeptical though.
Will let you know if it works.

[MarleneD]

Well, cleaning the drive with rubbing alcohol did not work.  I finally contacted DELL support  and they have sent me procedures to deal with this problem.  I will try out what they suggest.  I'm not sure if I should post their solution here if it works?

[soybean]

Sure, go ahead and post it.  We'd like to know whether they provided a solution to the problem and what was it they advised you to do.

[MarleneD]

Well, I tried all the suggested solutions  from Dell (too many to describe) and none worked.  We concluded that there was something physically wrong with the drive and they will be sending someone over to switch out the old drive.  I'm so glad I got the extended warranty for 3 years, which I rarely do.
At least they were very prompt in responding; always within 24 hours