I just bought a new Samsung model dual layer DVD burner w/ light scribe. I installed it in my machine and before it will do anything, it asks for a product key. So I set out to find a key on the box, on the disk, anywhere. Nothing. I thought all of these drives are supposed to be plup n play. Not this one. Now, everyone has said 'update your drivers' but that hasn't done squat. Th disk that came with it is NERO 7 Essentials, and it doesn't do anything else either. I entered the serial number that was printed on the drive itself, but still nothing. I haven't phoned Samsung yet, but that'll be my next step once I've exhausted all of my resources. I returned it to the store thinking maybe there was a setup disk missing or something, but no dice. Same disk came with the 2nd one as with the first. Sux cuz when I returned the 1st one, I left one of my PJ shows in it. Yeah, I'm a dumbass, but I was also in a hurry at the time, so I forgot. I was making a copy for a friend as part of his Christmas gift. Anyway, any help would be appreciated.

What exactly did you "install" other than physically getting the drive plugged in inside the case?

Nothing. I just physically placed in the machine. Sorry I was vague. I'm at work, and I'm trying to post and work at the same time. I don't have the model# with me either, which I'm sure would be helpful. Anyway, no software except the Nero stuff it came with, but I uninstalled once I saw it had no effect. It won't play CDs, DVDs, or read data disks. It just asks for product key.

That's weird. A call to Samsung would definitely be my next step.

It's an old machine, and I think she's about ready to kick it anyway. Will call Samsung and see. Thanks for trying.

Just a quick thought, I've been having start-up problems lately and I suspect I may have a bad stick of RAM in it. I bought it same time I bought DVD drive. Could that cause something like this?

i believe the proper question at this point is; where do you buy your stuff???

Yeah, I was waiting for this one. I bought it all at Microcenter. Usually have pretty good luck there. They were very helpful with the exchange. Guess I'm just one of those folks w/ bad PC karma.

did you buy them 2nd hand or new? and if new, were the packages sealed?

Oh, good Christ.

My father in law will NEVER buy any product made by Samsung ever again because of a series of phone calls to them about a camcorder several years ago.

Good luck. Hope you speak Korean.

Doesn't everybody?

Q'apla!