Faulty CD/DVD: audio + DVD only, CD-ROM OK

The CD/DVD player in my Advent laptop, which is just over a year old, has developed a fault.

The CD-ROM is fine, ie it reads/installs software fine, but when I try to play an audio CD or DVD it kinda stutters, like it can't get the speed right or is sticking or something.

I've tried the Hotfix KB888111.exe and re-installing the drivers for Conexant HD audio with no luck.

The CD player is a Philips DVD+-RW SDVD8820.

I don't know what caused the problem, it was fine before I went away to the Canaries for two weeks and then it wasn't......I guess it might have got a little cold in the unheated house, but certainly not below freezing.

 

Have I stumped the mighty geeks? No ideas?