For the past few minutes, I've been getting this error message on my DVD Recorder and it worked just fine a little while ago. This happens no matter what kind of discs I try to play, home recordings or store bought DVDs. Anyone know what the cause of this is and how I can fix it or do I just need to get a new recorder?

It helps to know the brand of recorder and model you're using.

This happened to my Sony RDR-GX7 this summer after heavy usage for three years straight and it was time for a new one. I promptly bought the exact model for very cheap off ebay (without remote and instructions) and then used my previous knowledge and remote to limit my loss.

hi, is it an RCA? i have an rca dvd recorder/ vcr combo that is giving the same message. i was told that there was probably a problem with the laser eye being dirty or has gone bad. i was told to open the unit an try to clean the laser. this has to be done with something not abrasive or liquid and you must be carefull. i have only used my unit a few months, but from web research i see that this is common with rca units. if it is still under warranty or you have your receipt i would return it where you bought it. thanks stoogedog

The first thing you should try is a lens cleaner. They look just like a disc, but there is a very small brush on the read side that cleans the lens.

Thanks, I tried that. It was a Go Video by the way. They stink, I wouldn't recommend getting anything from them, their customer service number on the manual didn't even work. Anyway, I finally went and got a new DVD Recorder/VCR combo, this time a JVC and it works great. I hope this one lasts a lot longer. :)