CD-RW drive suddenly not recognized by comp

I've had a CD-RW drive installed and working perfectly on my computer until a couple days ago when I noticed my computer would stall on startup with the message "Veridying DMI Pool Data.... Boot from ATAPI CDROM:"
If I shut down and started it again it would work. It took me a little while to realize that my CD-RW drive wasn't working. It's like my computer doesn't even think it is there anymore. The lights wont turn on and I can't get it to open or close. When I click on My Computer is doesn't show up (it used to be drive E: ).
Is this the end of my CD-RW drive? Should I consider getting a new one or is it a problem with something else? I checked all the cables inside the computer and everything is all still connected fine--so my guess is that the CD-RW has crapped out on me.
Any help?
Thanks!

Welcome to Windriver leolee7

If you are sure you have not opened the case and disturbed any cables, the answer is probably yes, it's died.

You can open the computer case and check that the cables are secure.... or put the cdrw in another computer just to make sure.

I opened the case and checked--all cables are secure. But when I turned my computer on again it suddenly worked. BUT when I shut it down for the night it went back to not recognizing the drive. It's like it only works after I shut my computer down and unplug everything. If I just shut it down normally it wont work.
Should I just invest in a new CD-RW drive and save myself the trouble?
If so, any brands that anyone recommends for a good price?
Thanks for the help!

What you say would imply a power problem. The power to the cd rom could be not working properly. In many cases there is a spare "molex" point - this is the power plug. Shut down your computer and see if there is a spare (try an use one that is not on the same line as the one that is plugged in now).

http://www.grosbill.com/aides/techai...ages/molex.jpg The white plug in the hand are the molex plugs.

Things appear to be working fine now. Thanks so much for all your help! :)

great!