One thing you'll need to make sure of with this CD recorder is that you're using "Music" CD-R discs. These discs are manufactured differently from regular CD-Rs, and are the only ones that will work properly with this recorder. Using anything other than a Music CD-R will prevent you from recording or seeing recording levels on the CDRW880's meters.

Make sure that the packaging on your CD-Rs says "Music" before purchasing them for use with the Teac CDRW880.