Nonrecognition CD-R &CD-RW – Drives E&F

My computer either in My Computer or on reboot and checking the hardward will not recognize the CD-R drive E or the CD-RW drive F. Autoplay doesn’t work when I put a CD in the CD-R even though the drive opens — lights up to indicate it is there and takes the CD. I have tried using the Control Panel — Add hardware – but it will not recoginize the drive that way either. I have a Gateway — purchased in 2000 –running Windows XP-Home upgraded in 6-02 . I have been on vacation and come home to find this problem. All help would be greatly appreciated!