no ur comp is not old besides i assume u r using the platform XP...
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but does this problem occur only when u try burning discs? or even while reading?
cauz if it's while reading too, then ur Writer needs to be repaired.
if it's only while burning, then some process is preventing the burning operation... (i know mine does cauz the software DeepFreeze wont allow me to burn discs) or ur burner lens needs to be repaired.
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or maybe the drive is locked using a software like "folder guard XP"
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n besides, which burner are you using? like... if u r using the integrated burner function in WINXP, n if u disable this, the drive will act like a ROM and will attempt to read the disc, but since the disc is empty, it will obviously say that the drive is inaccessible.
so if this is the case, i say try usinng an external burner software like NERO, or re-enable the drive for the WINXP integrated burner support.