Unphazable,
Can you tell us how the CD/DVD-ROM drive appears in Device Manager? That
is, when you view the Properties for the drive, does Device Manager indicate
that the drive is working properly?
Also, look in a special report that Vista uses to log errors. To view the
report, click on Start > All Programs > Maintenance > Problem Reports and
Solutions. Peruse the report and note any problems indicated and focus on
any solutions suggested. You might get lucky.
Mover, in Computer (formerly My Computer), confirm that the drive is listed
along with the other drives and that there is no indication of a problem,
such as a Red X affixed over the drive. Right click the drive and select
Properties and note whether any thing unusual appears there.
In addition, open Control Panel and find the area where you select
CD/DVD-Drive play options, such whether you want to play disks automatically,
that sort of thing. Look it over and make sure you have selected the proper
options.
Post back if these steps don't resolve the problem, and we'll try harder,
if we can.