DVD RW drive problem in XP

[jvw]

Hello.

I'm having a problem with my DVD +/- RW drive.

I'm running Windows XP Professional on a Dell Dimension 2100 with Norton Systemworks 2003. The hardware is an IoMagic DVD +/- RW Dual 4x. Other programs I use include Nero and MusicMatch.

This is what happened:

1. Removed old hardware (Sony CDRW) and physically installed the IoMagic DVD drive.
2. Rebooted computer. XP "found new hardware" but it could not find software for it so it was read as a "generic DVDRW 4x" instead of an IoMagic drive.
3. Loaded 123 DVD software and Instant CD/DVD (came with drive).

The DVD burning software would read DVDs, but when it asked for a blank disc it would not recognize any disc I inserted.

Now everytime the computer is booted it finds new hardware ("generic" DVDRW and IDE Channel), but can't install it (no software). I checked with IoMagic and the drive I have does not require any drivers or software. XP should detect it automatically and have no problem.

The major problem this has caused is that I can't write data to CDs using either Nero or Win XP. Nero says "drive in use by another program". When I click on the drive in My Computer I get "please insert a blank disc" even if a blank disc is inserted. Then the pointer turns into a pointer/hourglass and just sits there indefinitely until I cancel the action. If I try to drag a file onto the D: drive (my DVDRW) I get the same response: "please insert a blank disc".

I removed Nero entirely but I still get the same message. I also removed the Instant CD/DVD software and 123 DVD.

I'm still able to burn CDs with MusicMatch with no problem at all. Also, I tried CloneDVD and it works fine for burning DVDs. But I can't make data discs with XP, Nero, or anything else I've tried.

Any ideas?

(sorry if this message sounds rambling or disjointed...)

[Fardhem]

After reloading Win XP SP2 after replacing hard dirve the system did not recognize the removable drive, could not run a CD on it. Changed the drive letter and it WORKS! Article at Microsoft site "how to restore the sys/boot drive letter in Win" Some one at this site listed this article and I thank for it. Had one foot out the door to get a MACBook. May still get it!