I would suspect hardware if you aren't hearing anything spin up when you insert a disc. The controller in the drive is probably fine and so your OS thinks it is okay, but maybe a motor problem keeps it from spinning up the discs?

You should be able to swap the CD/DVD drive/burner fairly easily so you don't have to replace the entire computer.


-Dave

M80s VP150 QS8s EP500s
ravenmanor.com/cinema/