Need help with CD/DVD ROM on my Dell laptop

For some reason the CD/DVD, floppy isn't recognized on my laptop. If you look at "My Computer" it sees them as a drive, but it won't read when you try to access either one of them. (It's a hot swappable bay.) I THINK I recall reading somewhere a while back that this particular laptop had this issue, but I'm not sure. I always thought myself to be pretty computer literate, I'm the "go to" person for numerous people regarding computer issues, but I feel pretty ignorant right now. Can ya help me? Ok, ok, really I know I need a new one, but right now I'm poor white trash and gotta wait til my money gets a little greener!! Until then, I have all kinds of stuff I need to get done for work and need my puter working!!

The specs on my puter are:

Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition 5.1.2600 (WinXP Retail)
Computer:
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
OS Service Pack Service Pack 2
Internet Explorer 6.0.2900.2180

Motherboard:
CPU Type Mobile Intel Pentium IIIE, 650 MHz (6.5 x 100)
Motherboard Name Dell Computer Corporation Latitude CPx J650GT
Motherboard Chipset Intel 82440BX/ZX
System Memory 256 MB (SDRAM)
BIOS Type Phoenix (03/05/03)
Communication Port Communications Port (COM1)
Communication Port ECP Printer Port (LPT1)

Display:
Video Adapter ATI RAGE Mobility (DELL) (8 MB)
3D Accelerator ATI Rage P/M Mobility
Monitor Digital Flat Panel (1024x768)

Multimedia:
Audio Adapter ESS Technology ES1983S Maestro-3i Audio Accelerator

Storage:
Disk Drive IC25N020ATDA04-0 (20 GB, 4200 RPM, Ultra-ATA/100)
Optical Drive TEAC CD-224E (24x CD-ROM)

Partitions:
C: (FAT32) 19067 MB (11978 MB free)

Input:
Keyboard Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 Keyboard
Mouse Kensington HID Mouse*in*a*Box Optical Pro
Mouse PS/2 Compatible Mouse

Network:
Network Adapter 2Wire Wireless PC Card

Peripherals:
USB Device Kensington USB/PS2 Mouse*in*a*Box Optical Pro