Can someone help me? Computer can see what is in my drive but can't play or write to it.

You may perform the following steps to isolate it:

1. Run Regedt32.exe.

2. Locate the 'UpperFilters' value under the following key in the registry,
and delete it:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E965-E325-11
CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}]

3. Locate the 'LowerFilters' value under the same key, and delete it:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E965-E325-11
CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}]

4. Close the registry editor and restart the computer.

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caution:
I have to delete some registry keys to get my cd-rom and virtual cd back.
For more information please refer the KB article:
CD-ROM Access Is Missing and Messages Cite Error Code 31, Code 32, Code 19,
or Code 39 After You Remove Easy CD Creator in Windows XP:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;314060&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

Some 3d part recording programs cause this problem, therefore
But your 3rd party cd recording software won't work properly after your deleting the registry keys. Please be aware of that. Sometimes its due to more than 1 recording program being installed..

I got a similar problem. My sony DW-D56a dvd writer will read DVD, but won't read all home-pressed audio/data CDs. It will still read factory CD i got from Dell or other vendors. Any ideas? I've tried the latest firmware from Dell to no luck.

It probably needs a cleaning. The laser and detector get dusty and thus signal strength drops. With home burned CD medium the reflection is not always perfect and thus the signal strength can be low to poor at best, add a dusty laser or detector and it can't read it.

Cheers

I have also found that my Sony (uses the Blue lazer) will also make some CD-rw or DVD-rw unusable for the other DVD writer, it uses the Red lazer

Yes I forgot the Sony uses the Blue laser, it will not read Red laser burned CDs aor DVDs. Good point Frank.

Cheers.