Perplexing Plextor Problems

[ctcomedy]

All good suggestions but I tried the latest firmware
and direct x 7, 8 and 9

and it wouldn't even read the disc on insert, into the play disc
area of microstudio, never mind copying it.

the thing is I got it to read a couple times, played fine, then the 8 blinks on the drive light if I ejected and re-inserted and poof
gone it now won't read.

it's very mysterious.
I'm ready to throw away the plextor and start over