newbie Question on DVD+R disks & 985  

I have a question that I did not see answered in the FAQ. I have a Philips 985 recorder and have been copying movies from my tivo. I have used both +r and +RW disks. The +R disks (Memorex and now Fuji) will record and play on my 985, but are useless on other machines. The disks have been finalized. I have tried to read them in my computer which has a + R/+rw drive, but it does not recognize the disk. I have tried them on other dvd players that are suppose to recognize the +r format according to the dvd + forumlist. The +RW will play on those other machines and computers although when you fast forward by section, you can not see the movie being played, it is just black. Do I have bad disks and can you recommend other makes, that are readily available in the US? Is this a problem with my machine? THanks for your help.

I tried to check and see if I have the newest firmware, but the method to do it listed at dvd+r/+rw forum does not allow me to see the version. i went to remote control setup, but it did not allow me to determine it. I am also concerned because I have heard that the newest upgrade will not let you copy movies from Direct tv. I have a Directivo which I have been copying movies off of. If you have some additional insight it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks