Have you tried this CD ROM in Safe mode?
If it works in Safe Mode, that would suggest  some other software is at 
fault. Is this a burner?
You could also delete the drive in Control Panel and let it reinstall 
when you re-boot.
I'd also make sure my anti-virus, and anti-spyware apps were working and 
do a complete Chkdsk and defrag and run a registry cleaner.
In some laptops, replacement of the CD ROM is an easy task requiring no 
tools.
Tell us more about the laptop, including the OS, age, and model.


Kay Huff wrote:
> I have an unusual problem.  My laptop has just stopped reading the CD
> Drive and at the same time refuses to shut down in the normal way.  I
> have to hold the power button.
> 
> I called tech support who walked me through some things, one of which
> was to see if the computer would boot from a system disk.
> 
> It DID boot, so I was told it IS reading the disk, but don't know what
> it isn't reading disks.
> 
> The only solution for both of the above problems was to reformat and
> reinstall the OS.
> 
> I REALLY do NOT want to do this if I can avoid it.
> 
> Is this my only option?  Asking you all first, because tech support
> always seems so eager to reformat to solve problems.
> 
> Tia,k
> 
> Kay Huff
> USA/IL
> mailto:  [log in to unmask]
> 
>               The NOSPIN Group is now offering Free PC Tech
>                      support at our newest website:
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> 

              The NOSPIN Group is now offering Free PC Tech
                     support at our newest website:
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