weird diodes

[1d4n]

i got and dvd burner called master write or something like that
my driver output current is nearly 400 ma(390)
and when i connect the first diode it works but the light is very low on max current
so ive tryed the other
the other have produce more light but still low light
any1 knows what the diode problem? cos with other diodes i got a bright light
and i could burn some stuff with it but with those two diodes its not working
any idea???

 

[ofekgg]

maybe the corrent is too much and you burned the diode (turn it into "LED").
I also recomend to start with low corrent of ~250ma with red diodes, especially when you dont know what the specs of each diode..