It's possible that the CDROM drive is bad. Since it's an IDE device, it would be easy to replace. Simply get another DVD-RW device (might as well upgrade!) and open the case. Needless to say, you want the machine off for this process.
Open the case, disconnect the power and data cables from the back of the CDROM. Unscrew the holding screws and slide out the drive. Replace the drive with the DVD-RW, line it up and replace the screws. Then connect the data and power cables...be careful with the data cable to make sure that you don't "miss" a row of pins.
Put the case back together and turn on the machine. XP should automatically recognize the drive.
Answers & Comments
It's possible that the CDROM drive is bad. Since it's an IDE device, it would be easy to replace. Simply get another DVD-RW device (might as well upgrade!) and open the case. Needless to say, you want the machine off for this process.
Open the case, disconnect the power and data cables from the back of the CDROM. Unscrew the holding screws and slide out the drive. Replace the drive with the DVD-RW, line it up and replace the screws. Then connect the data and power cables...be careful with the data cable to make sure that you don't "miss" a row of pins.
Put the case back together and turn on the machine. XP should automatically recognize the drive.