My internal CD-RW drive stopped working.  When I go in and check it's properties and drive, it states that it is working properly.....no problems.  When I insert a CD in the drive, the light just constantly flickers and it won't read or write.  Help!

   Usually a good cleaning will fix something like that (there is an article on how to clean a CD drive in our newsletter - http://www.superwin.com/RaysComputerTips/Issue20.htm#website).
   First (especially if you don't want to take the drive apart), you should try using a CD drive cleaning kit which has a special cleaning CD in it.  Sometimes that works and sometimes it doesn't.
   If you don't mind taking the drive apart (my logic in doing this is that it does not work anyway, so if I mess it up I am not out anything more but if I fix it, I just saved some money), that is the best way to clean it.  Use Q-tips and rubbing alcohol to clean the inside once you get it apart.  Be sure to clean the laser lens but be careful not to apply excessive pressure that would scratch it and don't touch it with your bare fingers or with something that would smudge it.  You may need to move the laser assembly back and forth to clean around it (that is OK, just make sure you don't touch the lens).  Also be sure to remove all dust or dirt inside the drive (this includes dust that may have collected up behind and in between the gears).
   Of course, other options are to take it to the computer repair shop and let them fix it or buy a new one.

Thank you so much for replying.  I will try what you suggestd....makes a lot of sense.
Hope it works.