Hi f2b,

Have you tried to insert the cd before you reboot? if it works that way i may have found the solution...but i need to know what operating systems we're talking about...and have you checked to verify if the CD Auto Insert Notification is enabled?

Eg

In the meantime here's a couple of sites that might help...

http://www.eio.com/repairfaq/sam/cdfaq.htm
Notes on the Troubleshooting and Repair of Compact Disc Players and CDROM Drives

http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/cdfaq.htm
Notes on the Troubleshooting and Repair of Compact Disc Players and CDROM Drives