UPDATE: Plextor PX-760a had became useless prior to the PC maintenance (below), not recognizing discs of any kind. Did a firmware upgrade, re-checked IDE setting; both this and Lite-On DVD drive are still set as cable select. Drive is on year old.
After holiday HD swap/XP Pro fresh install, the PX-760A has come back to service as DVD-R burner. It still doesn't read CDs of any kind? I have to walk over to PC #2 if I want to copy a CD, just a nuisance factor.
Over at PC#2, the Plextor PX712A will write DVDs, but not CDs, whereas NEC2510A will write CDs, but not DVDs! That's alot to keep straight. PC#3 (elder son) has a Pioneer A05 (paid $248!!!) that functions only as a DVD player; swift fall from grace leaves bad taste in my mouth.
Given the low cost of drives, I am going to replace at least two of them. Plextor's reputation seems to be taking a beating, what's good these days? I'm considering Samsung, Lite-On or ? Past Sony & Pioneer issues make me not want more of same.