Firmware is code / a program (or information) which resides in your CD or DVD writer. Part of it's use is to determine the correct write strategy for use with different types of media. When a new media is developed it is sometimes necessary for the firmware to be updated so that the media can be written to at the highest performance.

Normally, you will need to upgrade your Firmware when you have problems that never used to exist, but do now because of improvements that have been made around your product. That could be the Operating System or DVD/CD-R/RW media improvements.

A firmware upgrade could solve the following:

Improved detection and compatibility with different DVD/CD-R/RW media brands and types
Improved reading capability on scratched or damaged DVD/CD media
Improved UDF packet-writing detection and performance
Corruption of the current Firmware due to a power loss/surge/outage and/or computer malfunction
A sudden or reoccurring failure that prevents proper access or use of the drive
Tray ejection or insertion malfunctions
Non-detection of previously written DVD/CD-R/RW media
Loss of burning/rewriting capability

For the latest Firmware Uprgade for the drive you own, please consult the drive manufacturer.