Hey all: Thanks to the many folks who were forthcoming with advice and support on getting my ATAPI plextor 8/4/32 CDRW to work under mandrake 8.0. Jay Kline's "don't worry its not always this bad" type encouragement to this linux newbie also very much appreciated. Anyways, even with all the fine help I was getting nowhere fast. Everything that was suggested SEEMED like it should work, it just wouldn't. So, I thought I'd dump on old Mandrake itself, and called their tech support line. Spent about 30 mins on the phone (after 10 mins hold) with a friendly tech guy. We agreed that this is an odd problem. He confirmed that the drive is supported under M8.0. Also agreed that the drive appears to be mounting but it will not give access. The problem has now been "certified" and sent up the ladder to a supervisor typer person. I am to expect a response within 48 hours. I will keep you all advised. Again, thanks to all who provided advice and encouragement. Regards, TeamStrange Airheads, Inc. By: Adam S. Wolkoff Vice President, Special Projects adam at teamstrange.com <mailto:adam at teamstrange.com> http://www.teamstrange.com