Urgent help needed-QSI CDRW/DVD SBW-242

Hi All!
I'm a newbie here with this post being the very 1st time.
Please help me: my CD-ROM drive has become unstable and unreliable -sometimes it recognizes the CD, but in most cases it does NOT.
Device Manager says "This device is working fine..."
Well apparently , this is not the case.
I have an ASUS A2500H notebook, with the abovementioned CDRW/DVD drive.
I cannot find an upgrade for my firmware no matter how hard I try...
The firmware is pretty old from 2001! (version:5.1.2535.0). There is an upgrade, though - I've read it though I've been unable to track it.
I was told my CD-Rom drive would become more reliable -if upgraded, e.g. I'm able to play my CD-s, and not with a 10 % success rate...
I would like to use my Britannica Encyclopedica CD-ROM, once bought.
I'd really appreciate Your help!
Ivan

Sounds like its on its way out i'm afraid. When dvd and cd drives start to play up and not read many disks its usually caused by wear on the laser carriage, it becomes "sloppy" and the laser wont align properly. Also, when dust gets in there it causes extra drag on the motors which in turn require more amperage to operate, this causes the motor driver ic to blow.
Replacement is the only option.

Thanx for the answer. I was suspecting stuff like that - now I 've found another version, a newer one, - installed but has not got any better.
So I reistalled the original one - at least I 'm able to use it some time...
I appreciate Your help - otherwise I it doesn't 't make me happier.

You may pehaps need a new data cable? Ata cables dont last forever!