A couple days ago, while trying to burn a data cd, the burning utility (Nero) stopped responding, and when I tried to open the cd door, the 'active' light flashed red.

After restarting the computer, the the drive's green 'active' light flashes constantly and the drive is not detected by the bios or windows.

I've shut down, turned off & restarted the computer; verified that the cd powersupply is connected, and still nothing happens.

Is there anything to do besides install a new drive?

I have had the same problem! There are a few things that can cause this. 1. You broke a pin on the cd rom so now the read is bad to the ide cable. 2. Power supply is insufficient (not likely your problem but possible). 3.The cdrom has alot of dust on the lazer head or the calibration of the head has been messed up (This was my case)

My finally conclusion was to buy a new cdrom because they are so cheap and cost roughly 50$+ at most places to recalibrate, but with all said you should check the possible pin problem out cause replacing pins is easy, and try one of those cleaners cd's. if that fails just buy a new one.

INSTALL A NEW DRIVE

I suppose I should replace it...

Note that I got a 'good deal' on this one because it was used. Let the buyer beware, eh?

If i could say one thing from my experience with the liteon company is that anything with there name on it, is junk!

WAIT!

don't go buy a new one yet! your checksum is messed up!

http://codeguys.rpc1.org/

download EEPROM tool.