CD/DVD formatting problem

[Luddite]

I have a Dell Inspiron 630m laptop running XP with an NEC DVD+-RW ND-6650A cd drive. Just over two years old.
When I try to format a new cd or DVD, a message comes up saying that the disc is Read Only, these are fresh out of the pack and different makes so I know there is nothing on them.
If a previously formatted disc is inserted ie, one with photos on, it reads it ok.
I've done a Windows driver check and it says that I am using the current driver.
Would be grateful for any help.
Regards,
Luddite

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

You can only format CD-RW's or DVD-RW's.

Also, CD's fresh out of the pack do not need to be formatted.

[Luddite]

Carbon Dudeoxide,
Thanks for that, it was a DVD-RW that wouldn't format also couldn't open CD's to transfer data/photos to them. System also asked me to format them then told me they were read only.
Luddite

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Can you see if the CD's work on another computer?

[patio]

If they are previously burned CD's and have been finalised they will show as read only...

[Luddite]

Hi again, no they hadn't been finalised. I've just bought some new DVD+RW and I still get the message that they are Read Only! Windows check still says that I'm using the current driver, Dell do an update but that is supposed to be only to improve DVD-R performance so I haven't installed it until I get to the bottom of my current problem.
Cheers for now,
Luddite   

[patio]

Well i'm stumped.
The only way a CD will be identified improperly is if one of the laser lenses has gone bad to my knowledge...this may be the case here.
Swap the drive into another working Desktop to test this...