Thanks guys,
Yeh, I checked all the hardware connections. unplugged and replugged the deviced, un-installed and reinstalled the device, let windows find it and tell me the same thing. tried a known good cd drive with the same results. this morning before work I tried BG's suggestion with no luck. after work I will attempt what B16enk found out for me. Maybe I Zapped it? I had an ESD strap on the whole dang time though :x
Just trying to maintain a clean cool machine and I screw something up.
I should listen to myself more: IF IT AINT BROKE, DON'T FIX IT !!