DVD got flakey in my 2008 iMac

[swholland]

I have an iMac 24 in from early 2008 with latest OS installed. My DVD has gone flakey and will no longer recognize most CDs and DVDs but will recognize some. Also, it will not allow me to burn anything. It just kicks out the blank as if it cannot recognize it.

Is there a way to reset DVD hardware, firmware, software?

Can you buy a replacement DVD burner?

 

[Liberty99]

Hi swholland,

I have the same problem with my imac 2008 and a newer 09/10 iMac - really annoying. The good news is Apple have a USB Superdrive which I opted for when I got my latest iMac this year. Luckily the other two don't need to do much DVD burning, so we don't miss the function too much. Got the new USB superdrive directly from Apple online store, so far it works great. No problems reading or writing. Also quite a reasonable price.
Cheers T.

 

[oldscribe]

Also swholland,

Is there a way to reset DVD hardware, firmware, software?

If not have gone down Liberty99`s route have a look at this Apple help archive, about reinstalling the CD-ROM software.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3037?viewlocale=en_US