An object of the present invention is to provide an optical
recording/reproducing apparatus capable of improving medium usability
through a laser power adjusting process while keeping compatibility with
a read only type medium. The optical recording/reproducing apparatus
adjusts laser power using a PCA till the PCA is used up. After the PCA is
used up, an additional area is reserved at the outermost circumference
position, thereafter when the additional area is used up, a new
additional area is reserved at an inner circumference side of the used up
additional area to adjust laser power. The additional area is reserved at
an outer circumference than a lead-out area, and therefore format
compatibility with a read only type optical disc can be maintained. The
additional area is reserved only when the PCA is used up, thus capacity
compatibility with a read only type optical disc can be maintained while
laser power is adjusted with only the PCA.