No Autoplay, Unable to Format DVD

I'm new and posted this in a similar thread, but I suppose I should start a new one.. Autoplay comes up when I plug in my phone, but not with any other devices. Even without Autoplay I can recognize and read/write to usb devices and CD drives.
Problem is: I'VE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO WRITE TO A DVD (I use +/-R). Autoplay is enabled and set to "Ask" for all devices, but my internal and new external CD/DVD writers give me a "Win. cannot read disc. Be sure its formatted" every time a new blank disc is installed. In Win Explorer, the "Manage" options (which include "format" are ghosted. Both drives will play pre-recorded cd's and dvd's and write cd's: WHY CAN'T I RECOGNIZE OR FORMAT A BLANK DVD?

You normally shouldn't have to format a blank CD or DVD. My VHS/DVD combo, which uses DVD-R, if given a DVD+R, has to format before using. Are you wanting to create audio CDs, video DVDs? I use Cyberlink PowerToGo to "make tracks," or copy whole disks. Tell us more about the computer and software you're using; and what you are wanting to do with the blanks.

Reply to Autoplay

I'm using a Samsung NP350E5C (Core I7 3630QM 2.4Ghz 16Gb RAM) with internal TSSTcorp CDDVDW and a new external ASUS sdrw-0802s-u) and you're right when using my VHS-DVD no formatting is necessary. My wife has a new convertable and when I attach the external drive and put in a DVD+/-R, Autoplay comes right up and asks what to do with the DVD. My Autoplay is enabled and all devices are set to "Ask", but on mine the only thing I get is a box saying that the disk is not recognized and must be formatted. The Win Xplr "Manage" tab has "Format" ghosted (BTW: it appears on my wife's). I want to make video DVD's, but I can't write any kind of DVD. DVD's from the same batch recorded on my TV's VHS-DVD burner mount and play just fine on either the int. or ext. drive. I'm using both Media Player Classic Home Cinema (64 and Cyberlink Power2Go 10​ and of course no luck with just drag & drop in Win Xplr. Writing CD's ,on the other hand, has never been a problem.

That's great information! Let's await the regulars here, they can help you much more than I from here on.