The present invention provides a single information recording and reproducing apparatus that is used to record data to multiple disks that are to be recorded on using different wavelengths. More specifically, the present invention provides an apparatus that accurately discriminates disk types while preventing disk damage and accidental recording of data during the disk type discrimination operation. The disk type is determined using the intensity of light reflected from the disk. Information is encoded using an encoder corresponding to the disk type. The resulting signal is used to drive a laser corresponding to the disk type, and information is recorded.