What make is your CD writer ? And like all others have said, this kind of situation occurs when there is a lens problem. Or if your CD RW is jacked up, then you have to go for a new one mate ! But there's one thing need ot be asked...
You said writing a new CD fails. How many times did you try this ? If more than once, then did you try different brands of CDs ? Did you also try filling up an empty rewritable ? Try these things and give the results if possible, it'll be helpful in diagnosing your problems.
