Burning a Data CD in Windows 7 not recognizing discs

"I know its not a true solution as it bypasses the problem and isn't native, but have your tried imgburn? I've run into similar hiccups with Windows 7's burning app.

(stupid question but have you tried closing the tray and finding something akin to continue? if the os assumes the drive is empty.)

Yes, it takes some finagling to get the burner to work, under Windows 7, in the native burning app. Try this sequence:

insert cd
wait for Windows 7 to glance at it decide that it's a blank disk
a popup window with three options will appear:

use as a live (editable content)
'mastered' (found in desc of second option)
cancel (ignore this window)

select mastered.
goto your files.. right click send to > Burner.
goto drive (edit, arange or otherwise)
select burn to disc
edit title
(have an sudden missed beat as you realize that the app stole back your focus while your were typing and have no idea what the next window is: kinda big, blue header, portrait shape. GRUMBLE)
tray ejects

it works ... not polished or gold plated imho, but... usable."