Burning Programs Don't recognize DVD/CD Drive

All of a sudden, I'm unable to burn DVDs and CDs because the burn programs (Nero, Roxio, FinalBurn) don't recognize the DVD/CD drive.
Since all of these program are having the same problem, my guess would be the problem isn't with the software.
When I go to "My Computer ", the DVD/CD drive is there. If I put disks in, it plays, no problem.
I have done everything I can think of to resolve it. I did a system restore, ran my AV scan, I uninstalled and re-installed the drive in device manager, checked the burn rights. I am at a total loss what the problem could be? If anyone would care to give some advice and suggestions on this problem, I'd appreciate it. I'm running Vista on a Dell Inspiron 1525 LapTop.