I recently installed a dvd/cd writer in my computer that is running windows xp professional. There is power to the hardware but my computer is not recognizing the hardware. I have checked in the device manager and it is not showing. I have also checked to be sure it was installed properly. Someone suggested enabling something in the Bios, but I'm not familiar with how to do that. Any ideas or suggestions would be most appreciated.

You shouldn't have to enable anything in the bios...

Are BOTH sata cables plugged in? (power AND data)
And is the Data cable plugged into the correct sata port on the motherboard?

The cables are both plugged in and we have tried both sata ports on the motherboard. I am perplexed. Any other ideas?

We have figured it out by pressing f8 at boot-up and enabling the sata ports. Thanks for your help.