I am looking at having to get a new cd rom and i am not sure what i can and cant get in terms of compatability. My computer was custom built so its not as simple as going to a website and looking it up. Can anyone tell me what i need to look for on my computer to find out more about what i can get in the way of a new cd rom?

Basically you can just take your pick of all the IDE cdroms and plug it in, you can even choose a scsi one but you will need a scsi controller card.

When you install the new one make sure that the master/slave jumper on the back of the new device is in the same place as the one you take out, there are lots of people here who can recommend good cdroms, better than asking in a shop IMO as they wont be trying to sell you what they have

GET A LITEON DVD ROM.THEY WILL READ ANYTHING AND YOU CAN ALSO PLAY DVDS ON YOUR PC.YOU CAN GET A NEW ONE FOR ABOUT 30 QUID

Take steve54's advice get the liteon 163 dvd