cd/dvdram drive is not detected by windows xp or bios

Lou, not sure what computer you are using but I suppose it might be a Toshiba....anyhow lots and lots of folks out there with issues just like yours. Since the drive is not recognized in the BIOS, windows will also not recognize it. You might try to check in the BIOS if it (the drive) has been disabled. But my gut feeling here is that you may have to invest in a new drive,of course you do want to make sure that the drive is seated properly, that is gets power, and that all connections are nice and snug. Good Luck to you and let us know how it is going...