I know. My problem is I don't want to waste money. I could do this the logical way: replace the cable first and tinker with the drive jumpers, then replace the CD drive if that fails. But if that doesn't do it, I'll be stuck with buying a new PC anyhow and I'll have wasted what I've already spent.

When it gets to the point where I'm thinking I need a new motherboard, it's simpler to buy a new PC and upgrade motherboard, processor and graphics card all at once. Not cheaper, but I can get credit that way, which I can't on the components.

It's always money, isn't it? *groans*