werThere are many factors that can affect the data transfer rates. Here are some things you can try to eliminate the slowdown.

1) Use a faster source drive (zips and old Hard Disk Drives are frequently too slow and sometimes cause problems)
2) Turn off ALL extensions by holding down the SHIFT key while restarting your computer. Toast requires *no* extensions to write CDs (except when the source data is on a CD, in which case you need your CD-ROM driver and Foreign File Access turned on).
3) Do NOT copy files over a network while trying to burn a CD. Network throughput is much too uncertain.
4) Make the RAM cache in Toast preferences (under the Edit menu) bigger; making sure that the size of the RAM cache that you have selected does not exceed the available system RAM after launching Toast . To see how much RAM you have available after you launch Toast , see About This Macintosh in the Finder
5) Run a disk-checking program to look for and correct directory problems (e.g. Disk First Aid from Apple or Symantec's Norton Utilities).
6) Turn off Virtual memory. Although Toast is not incompatible with Virtual Memory, it can cause a buffer underrun in low memory situations.
7) Check for proper SCSI cabling and termination. Disconnect all external SCSI devices except the recorder, and then try writing from your internal drive. If successful, try with additional SCSI devices connected.

If these don't correct the problem, then try:
-Writing your disc at a slower speed, or
-Installing a fresh System Folder from your installation disc.
-Remember to try a Speed Check and simulation mode prior to writing your discs!