Helen_07,
Here is a different Microsoft KB publication that includes the exact error
message (can't start, among others) that you're getting. See whether this
one does the trick:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/314060
It was written for WinXP, but also applies to Vista.The problem existed
before Vista came to live with us.
Here is some background information on the issue, which likely provides more
information than you ever wanted to know, but it's interesting and know the
reason for what is causing the problem. Here is the background: Many
third-party programs that control CD or DVD burning (as well as some player
applications) install CD- or DVD-ROM filter device drivers into Windows.
These filter drivers are meant to allow for low-level hooks into the
hardware, to allow for functions such as packet writing (where a CD-R/W or
DVD-/+RW can be written incrementally, like a hard disk). These filter
drivers sometimes have problems that can cause the CD or DVD drive to stop
working correctly. The device entry for the CD or DVD drive in the Device
Manager may show up with an error descriptor that reads "The device could not
start." Additionally, there may be an error message that reads "One of the
filter drivers for this device is invalid." The devices themselves do not
show up in Explorer. Error codes for the device include code 31, code 32,
code 19 or code 39, and sometimes the even more ominous warning "Your
registry might be corrupted" appears. Fixing the problem simply involves
deleting the filter entries for the third-party device drivers.