cheers for the replies.

I've not checked the cabling....that'll be next on the task list now!

Windows does see the drive & full cd's, so im sure they are recognised & ive tried a few different blanks - infinity & erm, tesco's!

gonna have a go at dismantling & reassembley n see how that goes!

I recently put hitman pro on too, does anyone think that may have summat to do with it?

cheers