I am trying to do a backup on a few things and the only thing I've used my DVD/RW (drive E) for is to play music CD's.  When I insert a DVD and click to back up something LIKE My Documents, it starts formatting the disk.  It takes maybe 3-4 minutes then tells me the disk formatting failed.  I've tried to use it on other programs for backing up and it continues to give me the same thing, the formatting failed.  Any ideas as to what is going on?  Oh, I have Vista, AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3500+, RAM 2.00 GB, 32-bit operating system. Thanks in advance for any help!Have you tried another BRAND of RW DVD's ? ?

How old is this drive ? ?

You could try CDBurnerXPro....Free.The whole computer is two years old, it was built by my computer dude who is no longer in computer business.  No, I haven't tried another brand of DVD but I will and I will also try the other thing you mentioned.  I've got a nasty feeling my DVD doesn't WORK, but we'll see what happens.
Not to panic...brand new dual-layer DVD burners are about 35 bucks shipped from newegg...
Installs in 10 minutes...Update
They start at 20 bucks: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=dvd+double+layer+burner&x=19&y=35Brilliant ! !

How doin ?Doing just fine Broni, wondered if you'd answer - you're always there to save me and Patio has done so a few TIMES in the past too!  Thanks you two!!!!!

Debby
You're very welcome