Abstract: A method and an apparatus for storing data on a high speed write-once recording media such that random writes and fast random accesses are possible. Writes are verified by decoding reflections of write pulses from the recording media, and comparing the decoded data with intended data. The recording media is divided into a plurality of bands. When a write for a sector of a band is rejected during verification, sector slip occurs and an attempt is made to rewrite the data in a next sequential sector of the band. When more than a predetermined number of slips have occurred in a band or a data collision occurs, the data is written in a preallocated spares area of the recording media.