> > It's as though the read/write heads in the floppy drive and the read
> >"head" in the CD rom drive lost "sensitivity" at the same time!!
> >What do you think is causing this problem?
> >

The only common factor is age or evniromental issues, I know you don't
smoke, but do you have pets, live near a dirt road, or have a dusty
workshop?. The CD problem is either a dirty lens or a failing laser.
The reason it can still see "factory" cds is that they are more
reflective, and a weaker laser still works. CDRWs are the least
reflective. Since you have a laptop, it's easy to clean the lens with a
NEW ultrafine paintbrush, or a q-tip and isopropyl alchohol.


If cleaning the lens is no good, it's a bad laser.