The highest failure rate we see on computers these days is the failure of the CD drive. It is very common. When they break the low prices of new ones make it less painfull than it used to be when they were $100+. You can get a new CD-RW for as little as $25-50 these days, that is what you probably need to do now. You can try cleaning yours with a cleaning kit, but that usually doesn't work.
yeah well thats what i thought too. i am completly clueless about anything computer related. i do know this i have a gateway pc, and i am running XP PRO. My cd burner worked just fine for about 2 years but now when i hit record it gets stuck on "preparing audio data" and wont burn any of the songs. i dont have any of the restore disks for my pc anymore so if thats even an option chalk it up a loss. if anyone can help i would greatly appreciate it. i may need step by step instruction..... so my screen name for AIM is cEaCsUe, and my e-mail adress is cda0811@mail.ecu.edu
thanks, casey

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic