my dvd burning drive that came with my computer is a "hl-dt-st dvdram gma-4020B"

now what kind of drive is this?
does it support dvd-r burning?
and what media would be usuable w/ it? dvd-r,dvd+r,dvd-rw, dvd+rw, or what? all help GREATLY appreciated

Let me guess your computer is a gateway????

I got one of thier cdrw's last year and upgraded to a Lite-on. Im pretty sure it is a

LG ELECTRONICS.

Not a bad burner.

does it look like this?
http://www.radius.co.jp/products/dvd_MultiDrive.html

http://www.lgeus.com/Product/CD/GMA4020b.asp has the specs including what formats it can write (DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM **cough**crap**cough**, CD-R, CD-RW).

Yup DVD-R drive. Use dvd-rs such as Ritek, Verbatim follow the steps and you should be just fine.

thanks for the help guys and do u know if imations r any good for their dvd-rs?

Imation - format media will give you mixed results stick to the brands listed above and you shouldn't have any trouble.