DVD Drive problems

[Danny]

If you've never opened up a computer, you probably won't be much help here.

Basically the problem is that my DVD drive isn't working. I know it's on, because I can open and close the tray, so it's not a problem with the power from the power supply, but the computer doesn't detect it*. I've tried 3 different ribbon cables, and 2 different DVD drives. I don't think it's the IDE port on the motherboard either, because until about a week ago, I had a slave hard drive plugged into there, which worked (although the drive was corrupt, but that's neither here nor there).

Any other suggestions?

_{*I can't see it in My Computer.}