Shiela:

Your post did not say if this was a new CD.

If it is (or not) try uninstalling the CD's software and reinstalling it (the driver that came with the cd-rom).

If you just installed it does the light come on at all ( check at boot up)? All IDE devices should "light Up" when the computer first starts booting.

Check to see that the cable in attached properly ( I know it sounds dumb but I can not tell you how many computers I work on that have the ribbon cable off by one or two positions (2 or 4 pins not attached ~ device will not communicate)).

Try switching the HD and your CD position on the cable (as long as you are not using cable select). Fixed problem? If Hd not working now replace cable. If hard drive working and CD not~~~~.

The basics were covered (especially the led "light Up" on boot. Then it is possible that the cd-rom is "DOA" (expected life of CD-ROM drive is ~< 2.5 years depending on use-- use of audio or cd intensive games may wear out the drive faster).

Good luck!

Further ???

Just ask

Garfeild_Cat