I have a Compaq 5330US desktop with 1.5MB RAM and a Compaq GD-8000 read only DVD and an LG GH22NP20 read/write DVD drives.  I am running XP Home, SP3.  The LG drive was added a few months ago because of issues similar with those I will outline with the original read/write CD drive.  I have infrequently used the CD/DVD drives.  My problem apparently BEGAN many months ago as I remember attempting to read a CD that my daughter brought over and was never able to see the CD contents.  At the time, I attributed the problem to a bad CD although later she said that she could read the CD on her computer.  Problem is that I can write to either drive using burner software, I can rip music CD's with either drive using application software.  I use Norton Ghost and have been able to boot off either drive using the Ghost recovery disk.  However, I can put a CD or DVD in the read only drive and using explorer, the drive shows the disk symbol, but every attempt to open the drive yields only a message to insert a disk in the drive.  With the read/write DVD drive, I insert a CD or DVD, get the disk symbol for the drive but with zero MB content indicated in explorer.  I can open the drive but no contents show on the explorer screen. 

I have searched this website and others for similar problems and have found nothing that has helped.  Based on what I have found, I have checked status of both drives numerous times only to always find that the system says they are working.  In this process, I have un-installed and reinstalled several times.  I have gone into the registry and deleted the upper and lower limits as one site suggested.  I have checked the ribbon cable to insure that it is 80 and not 40 wire as suggested.  I have downloaded and installed the Microsoft driver indicated for the read/write drive.  I have downloaded and installed a firmware upgrade for the read/write drive.

In summary, it appears that both drives are working when using application software to read or write to the drives.  Neither recognize inserted disks of any type using explorer.  This has not always been the case with the NEW read/write drive installed a few months ago.  It appeared to work OK for a time after installation and only recently developed a major issue.  About 2 weeksago, I used explorer to archive some files to disk.  After doing so, I attempting to read the disk in the new read/write drive and was only able to do so about once in 10-12 attempts.  Since then, its been totally gone as described above.  I am frustrated and do not know where to turn short of, maybe, professional shop help.  Any IDEAS or input will be GREATLY appreciated.

Larrywell about a year back i had a problem close to urs i would put in CDs and it would read it....it was easily fixed by just buying a new one

here is the one that i use it burns quickly and cheap
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151171It does sound like you have burnt out your lasers. Cd drive lasers usually have two one for dvd and one for cd. The more use the quicker they burn out. Usually the DVD one burns first because people make DVD's etc. You may need a new drive... But I'm no expert and I'm going through the same problem as we type.Perhaps I'm wrong, but wouldn't the drives be totally unuseable if the lasers were shot, i.e., wouldn't be able to use them with application software like I can now?

Larry when we say drive we mean the CD/DVD Drive thing the CD ROM Drive not a driverOne of these may help:
1. Uninstall the drive through Device MANAGER.
Restart computer. The drive will be automatically reinstalled.
or...
2. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314060
Restart computer.
or...
3. Download, and run Restore Missing CD Drive patch
Double CLICK on cdgone.zip to unzip it.
Right click on cdgone.reg, click Merge.
Accept registry merge.
Restart computer.
or...
4. Go to Device Manager, click a "+" sign next to IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers.
You'll see two items:
- ATA Channel0 (or Primary Channel)
- ATA Channel1 (or Secondary Channel)
Right click on each of them, and click Uninstall. Confirm.
Restart Windows. They'll be automatically reinstalled.