I don't know how you made the copy to CD using your Compaq, but most
probably they were made using a different technique used now by XP and XP
does not support reading CD made with older techniques. This is the problem
that many are complaining about.
One way to try is to get what is called a UDF reader installed on your
computer and see if this will work. It is free and installing it will not
harm your computer. Here is how to proceed.
You need to install a UDF reader.
Make a new folder on your C drive.
Name it UDF reader
Go to this site and download the UDF reader file in this UDF reader folder.
http://download.com.com/3000-2100-9497911.html
Once downloaded, open your new UDF reader folder and double click on the
file to install it.
Once done, Reboot your computer.
You should now be able to read your old CDs.
A good idea once you can read the files from your old CD is to copy the
files from your old CDs back on your hard drive.
Then copy the files to a new CD using XP. You will now have new CDs readable
on any XP machines.
If this does not work, you would have to try to remember the software you
used to copy to the CDs. Probably Roxio. Go to roxio.com and purchase Roxio
CD creator 6.0, about $60.00.