Abnormal Situation where PC Slows

Hi,

I recently helped my mate by a computer and do all his maintenance for him etc etc.

He has had some trouble with his DVD-RW not functionining properly causing him to have to open the case and fix the IDE cables, normally just unplugging them/ replugging them in has worked a treat. I just figured it was a loose connection/crappy cables or something. However recently when burning/copying a DVD to his hard-drive the computer has slowed dramatically in which it never used to. I ran all the spyware/defragmenter/CCleaner etc etc. I am normally pretty good at solving these sorts of issues and worked my way through his process menu etc etc. The only weird process was one from B's recorder GOLD or some shit, however I feel this may be a hardware issue. When I started his computer up initially in the section where it lists secondary master: it had all sorts of weird shit like DVDFW - STSKTJLK"""""""","""""" etc etc. I unplugged/replugged his drive again and it went back to normal, however he is still having trouble with the computer. Has anyone experience a DVD-RW malfunction that burdens the whole computer in this way or do you still feel it is probably a software conflict?


With thanks
DODSON