CD burners are one of the computer components that every so often die and need to be replaced. The good news is that they're cheap and easy to replace. I'd put in a duo DVD/CD burner (you can now get them for under $50).

I was having problems with LightScribe software on the DVD burner in my HP, so I put in a second DVD burner, without that software (Pioneer, I think). Also, I was using Nero 8 but it has a lot of issues (trying to map all of your files, something to do with VISTA, and it also defeats some burning programs like DVD Shrink). I went back to Nero 6, pre some of the fussy software.

Hope this helps. And please give yourself a moniker to use as a guest, so we can tell you from all of the other guests. Thanks!

SRS