Hi,
For some reason my dvd drive has stopped working.

The error message I get is "Windows cannot load the device driver for this
hardware. The driver mat be corrupt or missing. (Code 39).

I have checked for solutions - removed the device, all to no avail.

Can anybody help?

I found a possible solution but not being the most technically minded I am a
bit worried that if I do the below I might wreck the machine.

Method 1: Remove the registry entry
Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly
by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might
require that you reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee
that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.
Note If you had installed multiple CD-writing software products on your
computer, you need to uninstall the software products before you remove the
registry keys.1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
3. Locate and then click the following registry subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/System/CurrentControlSet/Control/Class/{4d36e965-e325-11ce-bfc1-08002be10318}
4. On the File menu, click Export.
5. In the File name box, type savedkey, and then click Save.
6. Click the REG_MULTI_SZ data type UpperFilters, and then click Delete on
the Edit menu. When you are prompted to confirm the deletion, click Yes.

Note If this data type is missing, go to Method 2.
7. Click the REG_MULTI_SZ data type LowerFilters, and then click Delete on
the Edit menu. When you are prompted to confirm the deletion, click Yes.
8. Quit Registry Editor, and then restart the computer.

Thanks
Gaz