Let's make sure the settings for the drive are correct in the device manager.
Go to control panel
System
Device manager
Cdrom
Plextor drive(double click)
Settings
disconnect...on(checked)
Sync Data Transfer...on
Auto Insert Notification...off
DMA...on
Please forgive for this step by step approach if you already know how to make these settings..I have no way of knowing that, and am trying to save us bouncing back and forth too much, and get it up and running
Something else to look for that could cause problems in 98/98SE is to shut off any screen savers.
Control panel, display, screen savers, select none.
These are all things that need to be done whether we nailed the problem or not.
Take care,
George