Eliminate the other variable first. Use reliable media. If the same problem occurs, then it must be the drive. I use an external usb2/firewire plextor drive with its own power supply using my ibm laptop, I did encounter problems copying. Error message: spindle failure error!!! turns out that the media is inferior, when I switched, problems disappear.
But even with internal cdr, the notebook manufacturer does not recommend copying using just the batteries of the notebook.