Cannot read CDs, can read DVDs

If it would have been a soft problem it wouldn't have worked at all, the driver is for the unit, not just for a function. Most likely it's a HW problem: either the laser died or the lens is dirty - try cleaning it.
Btw if your unit can't read cd's how those morons at the shop expect that you could reinstall (or repair) your Windows? 
Test your unit your self: take it out, put it in another laptop (or in an external case and attach it to another pc and check there. If it's dead then replace it with a new one - preferably a dvd-writer of any mark.