Recently I put a DVD+/-RW drive into my computer. I am able to copy files to the CD using burning software like Nero, and subsequently open the files, yet I cannot save the files back onto the CD-RW. When attempting to save the files, a message appears saying ‘Word cannot save or create this file. The disk may be full or write protected’. When attempting to drag and drop a file onto the CD, the following message appears: ‘Cannot copy. Access denied. Make sure the disk is not full or write protected’. The computer is running Windows 98.

While CD-RW media can be rewritten, you need the correct software to be able to use this functionality. Windows XP has in-built CD writer support which allows users to drag and drop files onto CDs, and these files are subsequently written to the CD. However, versions of Windows earlier than Windows XP (such as Windows 98) have no native support for CD writer drives. Instead, the ability to write CDs in these earlier versions of Windows relies upon third-party software, such as Nero. Therefore, in order to write the CD you will need to use Nero or other CD writer software. There is a piece of software called DirectCD which can achieve the behaviour you desire - treating CD-R and CD-RW media like floppy disks (allowing you to directly save files to the CD through applications, and also drag and drop files onto the CD). DirectCD is no longer available as it has been superseded. However, the newest version, called ‘Drag to Disc’, comes with Roxio Easy CD & DVD Creator 6 (www.roxio.com/en/products/ecdc6). You may wish to have a look at this product to see whether it meets your needs. If you do decide to purchase this software, you must check whether the software supports your drive at: rpp.roxio.com/drives/?page=supported_drives.