BleepingComputer.com: DVD Drive sees blank DVD as a CD and wont write a DVD

I have a Philips DVD +RW 8801 in computer. When I insert a blank DVD the name in My Computer changes from DVD Drive to CD Drive and burner tells me there is insufficient room on DVD for material

The first thing I think of is problematic dvd blank type (dvd -r or dvd+r). If you're trying to use dvd-r or dvd+r on unit that isn't capable it will not work. Also I'd make sure unit can read dvd's...If you have a (store bought) dvd make sure unit can play it. And you may try a different burning software, I use nero and a free program called imgburn sometimes 1 program will burn dvd when the other program won't

THANKS pcxcsc, But I fear it is a greater problem than that. I have tried a variety of blanks of various manufacturers and various speeds but to no avail. When I go into my computer the drive is now showing as a CD Drive. Any more thoughts?

Does a System Restart help in changing the label back to DVD RW drive?

Yes. On restart the drive shows as a DVD/Ram, but put a disc in a whoosh as if by magic I have a cd drive

Some things you can try:

• If you recently installed some burning software, uninstall it.
  
• Use the fix given on this Microsoft page.
  
• Clean the laser using one of those drive cleaning kits (or if it is a laptop, carefully wipe the laser with a soft dry cloth).
  
• Open the Device Manager (Start > Run > type "devmgmt.msc"). Locate the CD/DVD drive, right click on it and select "Uninstall". After it has uninstalled reboot the computer (it will be automatically reinstalled).