CD - no disc in drive

Hi, I am running win xppro sp2 and have just started experiencing a problem with my CD?DVD RW drive.
I can stick an existing data disc in the drive with no problem but when I load blank medie, I have tried different types, I get the message "No disc in drive- Insert writeable media".
I have tried uninstalling in device manager and rebooting but no difference.
I have searched Microsofts knowledge (sic) base and nothing they suggest makes any difference.
I had a similar problem a few years ago and somehow managed to fix it so I know it is possible.
Help and guidance would be appreciated

 

Scroll down to Troubleshooting specific errors. Yours is the first error listed. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/324129

If you try Method 1 in the Advanced Troubleshooting section and it does nothing, perhaps the burning laser is shot. To see if that is the case, borrow an external burner from a friend, pit in one of your blank CDs and see if it will write.