QUOTE (varchor @ Aug 14 2006, 06:28 PM)

I have used a variety of double layer media brands. Of late, I have experienced phenomenally good results with Ridata DVD+R DL (as well as single layer) on Popcorn 1 — better than a 95 percent successful burn rate. Subsequent to installing Popcorn 2, I have experienced a less than 25 percent successful burn rate using the DL media and a less than 75 percent successful burn rate for single layer. Worse still, the problem now extends to Popcorn 1 too! In other words, what was once working is no longer working.
Some recent error messages include:
Sense Key = ILLEGAL REQUEST, Sense Code = 0x30, 0x05, CANNOT WRITE MEDIUM - INCOMPATIBLE FORMAT
Sense Key = HARDWARE ERROR, Sense Code = 0x44, 0xD6, INTERNAL TARGET FAILURE
Sense Key + MEDIUM ERROR, Sense Code = 0x73, 0x03
I have screen grabs of these error windows, if requested.
Those error messages all indicate hardware problems... And the fact that your drive no longer works well in Popcorn 1 anymore either is even further evidence of this.
As further proof -- Try creating an image, instead of directly burning it to a DVD. If the image is created successfuly, then the problem lies with the burner.

(If it doesn't, post the errors you get)
Did you recently buy a new spindle of DVDs? If so, try the original type of discs.
Additionally, try the same projects on someone else's burner. If they work fine, then its an indication that you need to do some'n with that burner -- Try cleaning it...