Hi again Orange, well I tried the suggestions, no work - the conflicts cleared up. Originally while in the safe mode, I did have both CD units available, they are gone now. I have tried rebooting a few times, tried powering off/on a few times and also tried the Add New Hardware function through the control panel but up to this point, nothing, I tried taking out the CDRW and putting in the CDROM unit. The device manager is now clear of all CD units. ?? The Sony CDROM controller unit is also gone (Don't think it should have been there, it showed up after I tried to follow a MS Support Article ID Q134532.. ???
I have to assume that this is no longer a driver problem; I am now seriously considering taking the (dastardly) step of taking the PC to a "shop" and let them at least either find a way to "hook-up" the CDROM drive or let them install a drive that will at least be recognized and usable.
Tommorrow is a holiday in the U.S. so probably Tuesday AM I'll kiss this thing good bye for a day or two...
Thanks for your trying to help, Mac