Computer crashing when I insert a disc into my DVD burner

I am using a HP a1310n and for some reason it crashes (or explorer crashes) when I insert a DVD or CD for various purposes.

Here are a couple of example situations:

1. Using a program that requests a CD or DVD be inserted to continue use. When I insert the CD or DVD the program crashes and then explorer crashes.

2. I tried to run sfc /scannow to check for missing DLL files and then I realized I needed the OS discs which of course do not come standard with HPs so I go to create the backup recovery discs and after the program that handles this collects all the files, it asks you to insert a DVD-R and what happens? The computer crashes.

If I wait a really long time (half-hour) it will eventually recognize the disc and start working. Also, if I leave the disc in the drive and restart the computer, it'll recognize the disc after the reboot. However, in both cases, as soon as I try and put in another disc, boom, it all starts over again.

It seems to me like there is a priority problem or another process is getting in the way. Anyone know how I can troubleshoot this?

In trying to figure this out I replaced the DVD burner with one from another computer to see if there was something wrong with the original drive. Anyway, I had the same problem with the replacement drive.

Anybody have any suggestions on how to rectify my DVD/CD Drive problem?

Thanks in advance.

Bloome