I usually get a better brand CD. However I have had luck with my large batch (2x 50 packs) of no name CD-Rs I got for free (They say AT&T...). I don't think any have not worked. I have the problem more with DVDs. Bought a 2x 5 packs of Memorex once, didn't realize one was 16x, the other was 8x, though it shouldn't have mattered. None of the 8x DVDs worked... The first 16x DVD worked fine. Burnt the same thing on each DVD.