Backup Exec 9

I think I have a faulty tape drive but I don’t know how I can confirm this. Backup Exec keeps returning crc errors and the backup fails. I have tried cleaning the drive several times, new tapes, but still the same happens. The tape drive is an HPSurestore DAT24 (C1537A) robotic library with an Adaptec AIC 7850 PCI SCSI controller. I have downloaded the latest firmware from HP but I do not know how to install this (.frm file?)
Does anybody know of any tools I can use to test the drive before I go and order a replacement?