I'm having a problem with an internal Philips CDRW drive. When I insert a CD (audio, images or data) the drive doesn't detect it. The drive itself is seen in the Windows Explorer, but when I click on it, it asks to insert a CD (which is already in). When I go to Add/Remove Hardware Wizard it tells me the device is working properly. Still, I tried uninstalling it and then restarting - nothing helps. Is it simply that a part of it is broken (such as the laser light)?

Thanks for any hints!

Ive had that problem. The chances are the burner has finished. They have a limited lifetime, those CD-R's. Youd have to purchase another internal CD-R, take the old one out of ur system then input the new one in as regular hardware installation. Once CD-R's have been used up generaly due to the end of their lives after so much burning of CD's, the reader just goes even though the drive is detected.

Yeah, if the drive can be detected etc. the motor has probably burnt out. If you put a CD in do you hear it spin up? If not, time for a new one. Treat yourself to a Plexwriter, the extra cash is worth it.