I recently obtained a Plextor PX-708A +/-DVD burner (internal). I thought (first mistake) it came with full use of Plextools. I also have a slaved PlexWriter PX-W2410A.
After reading here- a way's back- that I could dump the PlexManager for the PlexWriter and starting from the first PlexTools- work my way up by downloading updates from the European site- been doing that. (both Plextors U.S. made). Of course couldn't use the advanced Q-Check features- but that was okay.
When I got the PX-708A, mistakenly assumed, 1- it came with Plextools (review or two misled me but my fault) and 2- could use Q-check features. The U.S. site has Plextools- says for the PX-708A but still won't let me use Q-check features. Downloaded European version- still no luck.
Talked to four techs- who at various times told me ASPI layer incorrect- update (didn't work- IDE Interface still shows no ASPI)- running Windows 2000 Pro.
Then told re-install plextools- nothing/then told just use the Roxio stuff that came with it- no thanks- using Nero.
Finally, last tech said take out Plextools completely- not applicable at all- won't work for DVD drives- forget it! (huh?) Yet many of the settings- like Varirec, etc. would seem to need the Plextols interface.
So, I plead for help from those in the know here. I've always had no hassles with Plextor support- till now. I'd appreciate the real story from the experts here. btw- downloaded firmware from European site 1.05- one up from U.S. site's 1.04- hope that won't screw things up. Thanks for any help you can provide- appreciate all the limited knowledge I've been able to take in, over time, from the HA site. Oh- the new drive works very well- just confused about the Plextools issue. Thanks again- cadabra3

From What I know, Q-Check features are for the Premium only ... the CDFreaks review (see here) of the 708A showed all CD-related Q-Check scans (DVD scans are not implemented yet) as being performed with the Premium.

The PX708A allows VariRec (Audio CD only) and PowerRec only IIRC (and I do not know whether the same PowerRec circuitry - a running OPC with a Plextor name - is enabled during DVD writing or if there is a different OPC in use)

You may ask why Plextor Europe includes Plextools Pro with the 708A when it's advanced features aren't usable at all ... good question indeed but rumours (and rumours only) state that Plextor will implement some kind of Q-Check PI/PO scan for DVD into an upcoming Plextools Pro upgrade so the 708A gets support.

ASPI issues usually do not influence Q-Check functionality ... it is more likely that your drives won't even be detected by Plextools if there are ASPI or chipset-driver-related issues (happened to me with the newer nForce 2 IDE drivers).

Plextools Pro (incl. VariRec and PowerRec) should work but the advanced features (see here) are only available for the Premium at that time.

I remember reading somewhere on the web(maybe CDR labs) about "Plextor" DVD drives are merely rebagged units. (LiteOn ?)
I cant confirm by myself, since I dont own it, but it can explain why those Plextor-only features dont work. (because they are not present on the drive itself)

Very unlikely since Plex drives always feature unique features ... have you ever seen a Litey with VariRec ? Or have you seen a Plex drive being flashable by Mktflash (for Mediatek firmware EEPROMS)?

My mistake: Now I remember reading about DVD or DVD combos drives were not made by Plextor itself, but rebagged drives.
I didnt find the article yet, but as soon I locate it, I'll post the link to that page.

Besides, I've found there an article about 708A itself, worth of reading:
here

Thanks for the info- the links were most helpful. I'm sorry the U.S. models still don't support all the Plextools features- but otherwise- very happy with the unit. Wish I could remember where I hallucinated the article/review I read stating Plextools with the 'extras' could be used!

Sort of disappointing that tech support had so many incorrect answers. Not what I'd come to expect from them.

Thanks again- appreciate the help and information. Grateful as usual- cadabra3