For the past year I've been very consistent with the CD/DVD programs on this computer. I've been using Nero Express 6 as my CD-R/DVD burning software, and for DVD viewing, I've been using interVideo's WinDVD Platinum 6. I've never used Roxio or Dr. Divx on this computer. I also use WinAmp 5 to listen to audio CDs. I've been happy with these three programs so I never really had a reason to try anything else. The problem seems strange to me because I haven't installed any new programs recently. I tried re-installing Nero, but I didn't notice any changes; it still acts like there is no CD-R disc in the drive. Maybe I will try to remove Nero completely.
I don't know if this means anything, but the last CD-R disc that I had any success with in the drive was severely scratched. The drive recognized the scratched disc, but it was not able to get all the data off that scratched disc. I'm pretty sure that was the last time it recognized a CD-R, but I never thought a scratched disc would be able cause a drive to fail... is that actually possible?
Edit: complete removal of Nero did not help...still same symptoms: after inserting a CD-R (with data and without) the light just blinks and the motor moves around a bit, but Windows does not respond. It does read store bought CDs, and it even reads data from a DVD+R that I made a few months ago. I honestly don't mind buying a new drive if it will work...