Did you format the CDs?

You don't need a DVD-RW...only if you want to erase the files and re write...( that's what RW means.)
And there should be no need to format a blank disc.
Check the DVD writer's manuel again.

DVD's are not CD's. Your using cd software to make dvd's? Did I get that right? Do YOU own a cd burner? or a DVD burner?

(Note: you don't format cd's or dvd's)

You say it is a CD maker - will it also burn DVD's? They are different. Some older models are specific to + or - also. As in DVD+r or DVD-r

Note: You can NOT burn DVD's with a cd burner. I think this is your issue......

Dvd's can burn either a cd or dvd....it's newer technology. Ya can't go backwards...lol

You shouldn't have to format the discs, unless you're doing drag-to-disc.

Rose, the FIRST thing you need to do is learn a bit about your burner. You mentioned your "NITI CD maker." Did you mean NTI CD maker? Anyhooo...

You need to determine if your burner is a CD burner or a DVD burner. There is a huge difference. A DVD will hold 4.7GB, a CD will hold 700MB.

You said you bought DVD-RW, but if you have a CD burner, those blank [empty] DVDs won't do you any good at all.

OK, there are CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, and DVD+RW.

The R means Recordable, and RW means Rewritable. In other words, you can write something to an R disc only once; whereas you can write (record) multiple times to an RW disc.

If you have a DVD burner, you need to know what type it is, so you can purchase the correct type of discs for it.

The DVD-R/RW standard was developed by Pioneer, and is used primarily by Apple and Pioneer. The DVD+R/RW format is supported by Philips, Dell, Sony, HP, and Microsoft.

These discs were purchased for the purpose of backing up data on my 2009 Acer Laptop which (supposedly) has the capacity to burn CDs and DVDs. My smart brother said that DVDs can hold way more data (such as pictures) than CDs. So after reading a gazillion reviews at amazon.com, I went with the DVD-RW and maybe that's the problem.

For years, I have used the NTI program to burn my CDs but I have never used it for DVDs. Perhaps there's another program I should use to burn the DVDs?

I dunno. I am burning through jump drives at an alarming rate because of all the architectural photos that I take (and back-up) and CDs are wholly inadequate due to their small storage capabilities.

When my smart brother burned many photos to a DVD disc, it looked easy as pie. I *thought* he used NTI CD-maker too. Now my computer keeps saying, "Insert blank disc" when in fact, there's already a disc inserted. I tried 10 discs (thinking one or two might be bad) before giving up.

So, did I buy the wrong DVDs? Or am I using the wrong program? Sigh. I do feel like an idiot.

ROse

If your laptop came with a DVD/CD burner, then the software that came with it should be capable of burning DVDs as well as CDs. You just need to make the choice to burn a DVD rather than a CD. (If all else fails, click on the built-in "Help" program within the software.)

But, since you bought DVD-RW, that might be the problem. You need to look at the specifications of the burner, to determine the manufacturer. Then, that should be enough to determine if you should be using DVD+RW instead.

Rose,
The last time I set out to burn something on a disc, I also had trouble with it always telling me to insert a blank disc -- I already had one in!!!

This is like the blind leading the blind, because it took me hours to figure out what to do and I'm not sure BUT
I think the problem was that I had the disc in before they told me to put it in!!! GRRRR!

I used the Roxio program that came with the computer. Once I got it going __ IT WAS EASY! The pain was all that beating my head against the brick wall to figure it out.
I did get it done, but that was at least a month ago.

Make sure your software will burn DVDs as well as CDs. In my software, I have to specify whether it is CD or DVD and whether it is audio or data.

If your software does not burn DVDs, you can download free DVD burning software.

If you are still having problems, you might check at the Computer Help forum - those guys are smart and helpful. Good luck!

Other than the advice you've been given.... please make sure you have the disc inserted correctly. I've had at least a dozen service calls where people put them in upside down.

When you put the disk into the computer does a window open asking what you want to do with the disk?
When ever I have used DVD's to backup/copy files (not make a video etc.) I simply put in the DVD, select the photo's or files and send them (right click) to the disc/burner. It will open a window asking me to type the name of the disc I want, then when it is done it will finalize the disk.
This is how I have always saved/backed up photos and files. I label the disks and when I want a photo or file I just insert the disk again.
I don't use any program at all to do this, just the computer.