Possible to test a CD/DVD Drive?

Sorting out my new build and came to the realization that I don't have a SATA CD/DVD drive in my build. Then I remembered I have one sitting in my Minecraft server that is out of commission for the time being, if I remember correctly the error it gave us when it quit was something to do with the CD drive. Is there a way I can test it to see if it's works so I can put it in my new build?


Quick other question--
Would I be able to DBAN this current HD and reinstall windows on it for the new build? I had issues DBAN'ing other drives and this is my only SATA drive.
Thanks,
Spock96

 

For the most part, considering that CD Drives are not the hardest parts to fit, just plug it in, power it up, go to the BIOS, see if it appears among the list of devices in the Boot Priority section. If it does, make it the priority, put in your install disk. If it asks you to boot from CD, chances are it's working okay, if one or all of these things goes wrong, chances are there is something wrong with it.

When installing the new Windows over the old one, during the install process you can just select advanced, delete the partition on the HDD, create a new one and enjoy a clean install which is effectively the same as wiping it.

Let me know if I've missed the point ^^
Kind regards

 

Thank you llama,
I think you answered everything. Just wasn't sure since it's been awhile since I've had a machine to work on and these will be all brand new parts.