Media Speed Error

[Kadrien]

HELP!!!!
I have an AOpen 121032pro cd burner (12x10x32x justlink buffer underrun protection), and I'm running Nero 5.5.9.0 OEM. Windows 2000 SP3, DMA is enabled on the drive. 384MB PC2100 RAM, Athlon T-Bird 1.4 Ghz 266mhz FSB.
Here's the problem. When I try to burn a Sony 10x CDRW, it burns fine, so I can't figure out why I can't burn 32x rated CMC CDR media, 24x Fujifilm TY CDR media, or even some old 12x CMC media at anything faster then 4x, or 8x on a good day. I have all my background apps suspended. I've defragged my hard drive till I'm blue in the face, rebooted, etc. I used to be able to burn at 12x, and, as I said, I can burn an RW at 10x, no problems. When I try to burn at 12x or 8x, I get "media speed error" no matter what I select for burn method (TAO, DAO, DAO/96), or with justlink disabled. Any ideas, suggestions, questions, or similar problems? Thanks.

[Robotnik]

I am pretty sure this means your drive is dying. The write laser in going to fail completely in the near future I would say.

[Kadrien]

I was afraid of that. I got it "refurbished" earlier in the year, like back in march or something. I knew I was going to have to upgrade, but I was hoping it'd be later rather than sooner. Any suggestions for prolonging the laser's life? Or just run it till it dies, then get a new one? And think the rewrite laser will keep on trucking? That will keep me from having to replace it for a while...
Thanks.