ROM problems

[Icarus]

My current mission to upgrade the computer is rather hindered by the fact that the CD-ROM drive doesn't always open, and when it does, the disc won't scan. Does anyone know what could be causing this? I'm flirting with the idea of getting an external disc drive and another hard drive, and I'm afraid that I'll need a working CD-ROM to install them.

[Mithrandir]

Hmm... Quite likely you are not going to need a CD-Rom drive to install a hard disk driver, but it never hurts to make sure you've got a working CD drive. I recommend replacing it. An IDE CD-ROM drive is pretty cheap these days, you know. In fact, if you are looking to add a DVD drive or CD burning capabilites as part of your upgrade, all the better...