CD-RW (Compact Disc-ReWritable) is a digital optical disc storage format. A CD-RW disc is a compact disc that can be written, read arbitrarily many times, erased and written again.The technology was introduced in 1997.CD-RW discs (CD-RWs) require readers that have more sensitive laser optics than plain CDs.Consequently, CD-RWs cannot be read in many CD readers built prior to the introduction of CD-RW. CD-ROM drives that bear a MultiRead certification claim compatibility.CD-RW discs need to be blanked before reuse.D-RW discs (CD-RWs) require readers that have more sensitive laser optics than plain CDs. Consequently, CD-RWs cannot be read in many CD readers built prior to the introduction of CD-RW. CD-ROM drives that bear a MultiRead certification claim compatibility. CD-RW discs need to be blanked before reuse.