Computer Does Not Recognize Device

I am running Windows XP.

Basically I have had this drive since xmas and it has worked flawlessly, burning around 10 movies for me for about two months. I would most oftenly set it up to burn at night as I slept. I am sure there is a good explanation for it but for some reason out of the blue, the LG GSA-2166D drive is no longer recognized by my machine.

The Device Manager on my machine lists it as "unknown device" but it is easily recognized and used on my girlfriend's computer when plugged into any USB ports as it used to be on mine. So the problem is not in the device but rather in my USB bus or otherwise.

It has been stated on other threads regarding this model that there is no need for any driver for this drive to operate however it might be useful to say that on my girlfriend's computer on the device properties (driver) tab it lists Driver Version: 5.1.2535.0 and then the Driver Details button lists 2 driver files:

C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\disk.sys
(File Version: 5.1.2600.2180\xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158)

C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\PathMgr.sys
(File Version: 5.1.2600.0 (XPClient.010817-1148)

Whereas my device property (driver) tab lists Driver Version: 5.1.2600.0 and then the Driver Details button pulls a dialogue box stating: "no driver files are required or have been loaded for this device"

As I understand it, firmware has to do with helping my drive use different media types and does not help my computer use the drive itself. But since I have seen this firmware file mentioned on several threads regarding this issue, I have tried to run the .exe on this website: http://forum.rpc1.org/dl_firmware.php?do... but it will not run stating: "can not initialize!: 2815" This was after uninstalling and reinstalling WinRAR evaluation copy.

Just for good measure I tried to update my machine but it is already running current patches.

I got into Device Manager, expanded "IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers" and uninstalled Primary and Secondary IDE channel. After uninstalling and restarting, I got messages stating that new hardware was found and then to restart a second time to install drivers associated with the hardware (IDE channels).

The LG DVD drive is still not recognized when plugged into the USB ports but when plugged into my girlfriend's computer, it is recognized right away and works fine.

What's going on here?
I was trying to plug a mp3 player into the USB but the computer does not recognize it and it comes up as unknown device i have tryed using the trouble shooter and everything else but i dont understand it can you please help me thanks . My computer is a Windows XP.