Elaine,
Here's what I would do if I were you:
First, you did purchased the best software for PC, CDG Karaoke with Microstudio. Now you will need the best cdg compatible drive to get excellent results.
Your HP might be able to work with cdg using a different method than what MTU uses but to be honnest, you will probably get some broken letters with this drive. MTU will be working on a different interface to hopefully be able to detect more drives & maybe yours will be officially detected and will work but??? Not certain yet!
I noticed that you're from Toronto and for you to buy from MTU you'll have the US exchange, custom & shipping problems. How about going to Costco & get a good Plextor DRD-RW which I believe are on special right now? Best Buy on Queensway also has the Plextor brand?
It should cost you about $200.00 +Tax for the best drive on the market and if in the future Microstudio detects your HP well than you'll have a spare drive or just sell it to a friend and suggest to him/her to buy Microstudio!!
Have Fun!
Mike