I have also been getting an error message box pop up when starting the computer but as soon as I put in a floppy disk, it goes away.

I then was scanning my drivers to see what needed updating and this error came up for BOTH my dvd-rom and cd-writer. Both devices came with the computer so I know they are generic.

I read somewhere that it may simply be that the lasers are out of place causing the drives to think it is in another drive? Something like that. I don't want to mess with that myself because with my luck, I'd destroy it.

I checked to see if they were in the right drive letters and YES they show that they are in the proper drive letter. I also checked if the devices were working properly and it showed that they are.

The dvd-rom hasn't worked since the first month I had this computer 5yrs ago. The CD-writer still plays my music CD's but does not read data CD's I created myself.

Compaq Presario S6300NX
Windows XP

***If it should come down to buying a new device, Which EXTERIOR DVD/CD-WRITER is compatible with my computer and where can I can I get a reasonably priced one, preferably under 60 bucks?

Driver detective is NOT a program I would trust to a dead dog. Don't believe each of these prompts. Try deleting DD and see if your drives work OK then.