My problem is eerily similar to this. CD-R/DVD drive suddenly gives no disc error for any 'blank' CD-R - MediaCenter I read this guys problem and solution, however I'm not sure what steps were taken to rectify the problem.

Basically I am running an LG DVD-RAM that can read cd's, dvd's, as well as write dvd-r's successfuly. The problem I am having happens when I insert a blank CD-R. The DVD-RAM drive blinks and when I go to open WinAmp, Nero, or even My Computer, it is extremely slow! It also does not recognize the blank cd-r. Any help would be much obliged.

If this is DVD-RAM, it can only read DVDs, not write to them.

Excuse me, this is a 20x Super Multi DVD Rewriter from LG. LG - GH20.

I'm sorry, I misread your info.
Does the problem concern CDs, or DVDs as well?
Blank CDs only?
Does it read CDs/DVDs?

Everything works except for blank CD-R's. Once inserted, the computer slows down and will not recognize the blank CD-R. It was working fine a week ago, but not I have this problem.

One of these may help:
1. Uninstall the drive through Device Manager.
Restart computer. The drive will be automatically reinstalled.
or...
2. Your CD drive or DVD drive is missing or is not recognized by Windows or other programs
Restart computer.
or...
3. Download, and run Restore Missing CD Drive patch
Double click on cdgone.zip to unzip it.
Right click on cdgone.reg, click Merge.
Accept registry merge.
Restart computer.
or...
4. Go to Device Manager, click a "+" sign next to IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers.
You'll see two items:
- ATA Channel0 (or Primary Channel)
- ATA Channel1 (or Secondary Channel)
Right click on each of them, and click Uninstall. Confirm.
Restart Windows. They'll be automatically reinstalled.