It is possible that an incorrect Device Driver was somehow installed for the CD-ROM device[s] Scott. That is why your CD-RW and DVD Drives may not be recognized, i.e. you can't access them in a normal fashion.
Scott, you've got to buckle down and trust me on this, okay?
Don't let your inexperience or trepidation keep you from 'experiencing' the "solution" to your problem. You have to get a grip and push those fears or insecurities aside.
This solution involves editing the Registry but if you follow the directions to the "Tee" you should once again be able to access you CDRW and or DVD Drive like you use to.
The decision is up to you..
Here we go Scott:
1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
3. Locate and then click the following registry subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/System/CurrentControlSet/Control/Class/{4d36e965-e325-11ce-bfc1-08002be10318}
4. On the File menu, click Export.
5. In the File name box, type savedkey, and then click Save.
6. Click the REG_MULTI_SZ data type UpperFilters, and then click Delete on the Edit menu. When you are prompted to confirm the deletion, click Yes.
Note If this data type is missing, go to Method 2.
7. Click the REG_MULTI_SZ data type LowerFilters, and then click Delete on the Edit menu. When you are prompted to confirm the deletion, click Yes.
8. Quit Registry Editor, and then restart the computer.
Method 2: (NOTE: Only use Method 2 if the data type that is mentioned in Method 1 is missing).
Method 2: Replace the existing driver
1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. If Control Panel is in Category view, click Performance and Maintenance, and then click System.
If Control Panel is in Classic view, double-click System.
3. On the Hardware tab, click Device Manager.
4. Click the drive with the question mark next to it.
5. On the Action menu, click Uninstall. When you are prompted to confirm the removal, click OK.
6. Repeat steps 4 through 5 for any other drives with question marks.
7. On the Action menu, click Scan for hardware changes.
This refers to Method 2: >> If Windows XP cannot locate the driver for your device, the device may not be supported by Windows XP. To see the list of supported devices, see the most recent Windows Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) at the following Microsoft Web site:
http://www.microsoft.com/hcl/default.asp PS: Since you said your CD-RW and DVD Drive were working okay, i.e. you were able to access them up until today, you already know that your CD-ROM devices ARE supported by and compatible with Windows XP so Method 2 most likely won't be needed for the fix. Instead, Method 1 will most likely be the only Method you will use and need for the fix.
Best regards,
Mike