I am trying to copy files onto CDs to transfer to a new computer.

When I insert the CD in either Drive D or Drive E in Explorer and try to click, I get a message saying Please insert disc.

I have tried several CD-R discs and several CD-RW discs. Is it possible for two whole packages of CDs to be bad?

My old computer is Dell Dimension 4100, Windows ME, 128 MB RAM

The CDs are Memorex CD-R, 700 MB, 80 minutes.and CD-RW 650 MB,74 minute 1-4X Speed.

Also will these CDs be compatible with my new Dell Inspiron laptop with Windows XP?

I tried an installation CD in one of the drives and it read, so it's not the drive.

Thanks.

I don't mean to sound smart a$$ or anything but try flipping the CD over. A lot of cheaper CD's don't have any logo or anything to identify the "write" side, well, the opposite side.

Just a thought.

If Kendor's suggestion does not yield a positive result, the CD-Writer may have failed. I've seen this happen quite often with older machines.

There are several alternatives to using a CD-Writer to make a CD.

The easiest may be buying a Flash Disk and insert that into the USB outlet and copying your files over to that device. Once copied, then insert it into your new computer to paste then files into it.

With your Windows ME, you probably will not need to download install any drivers. Just plugging the devicee in is usually enough.

If you find that you do need to install drivers which can be downloaded from the flash drive's manufacturers site, this page may be helpful: Click on the flash drive install link

Examples of flash drives:

PNY Flash drive

Other transfer methods includes connecting a crossover Ethernet cable from one computer to another. Some new machines have special offers of these devices which includes detailed instructions for its use.

I hope this helps!

Dwight