DVD+RW and DVD-ROM do not show files in Windows

[dpj1966]

Sometime since mid June 2004 something has impacted both my disc drives. I
have a Dell Dimension 8300 with Win XP Pro which came installed with an NEC
DVD+RW ND-1100A and a LITEON DVD-ROM LTD 163. Had this system since July 2003
and had no problems copying and reading files. I have NOT downloaded SP2
yet. I was about to do it and they suggested I save important files before
doing the download which is when I noticed I had a problem with my disc
drives.

My device manager says all is well. Bothe drives working properly. When I
attempt to update the drivers the wizard tells me it can't find a better
match than I already have.

The DVD-ROM drive does not appear to be recognized at all. After insering a
CD-ROM disk, that has instuctions or course materials on it, it does not
launch the contents automatically like it used to. Then clicking on the drive
produces a message to insert a disk in the drive when there is already one
there.

The DVD+RW does not launch the contents of the CD-ROM either but it does not
produce the insert disk message. It simply shows the drive blank screen, no
contents.

It appears that copying files to blank CD-R discs is working. I can see the
available contents of the disc decrease. I just can't go back and read the
contents.

Please help. What do I need to do to figure this out? The only recent change
made to my system was I had to replace my modem for Comcast cable. I do not
think that should have any impact on Windows or my disc drives.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
--
David

[techguru100 (A+)]

Some things that you should do:
1. Check the Event Viewer (eventvwr.exe) System Log for suspicious entries.
2. Power down the system, then reseat all power cable and data ribbon
connections inside the computer.
3. If any of the drives came with your computer, contact Dell Technical
support. If any of the drives were purchased separatley after your system was
purchased, contact the hardware manufacturer for information.

[dpj1966]

I scanned and sorted the event log. It went back to 9/2/04. There were 4
types of error events, DCOM, DHCP W32Time,and Print. I do not know what any
of this means, but on 11/2 and 11/3 there were 22 and 33 DCOM errors
respectively. On 10/29 there were 10 W32Time errors. Ther 6 DHCP errors but
just no more than 1 per day.

Not sure what reseating power cables would do? I know I can write to CD's.
Device Manager says they are there.

What do you make of the error entries listed above? I'say 11/2 and 11/3 look
strange.

What next??

Thanks.

[Mary]

I had exactly the same problem - tried everything including a repair
installation of XP pro but no difference.

Then I spoke to a friend who's a software specialist and he told me to
remove all software I use for burning CDs, any CD or DVD ripping
programs etc. Then I ran Registry Mechanic. Lastly, disable the
Windows CD Burning ability.

I did all this and everything was back to normal and working fine.

Hope this helps