CD-ROM problem with Ubuntu

I have been asked the following question:

"After recently transfering my OS from Windows to Ubuntu, my CD Rom is totally inactive (no usual flickering light), with message:-

mount.special device/dev/hdc does not exist"

Not being a user of this OS I thought I would ask you more knowledgeable guys, any suggestions?

Looks like the CD-ROM is not found by the OS (anymore). Is it still recognised by the BIOS?