CDR drive not accessible

My CD-RW drive worked just fine until a few days ago. It recognized all CD-
Rs and CD-RWs , but now
it simply stopped working. When the drawer is opened, the light comes on,
but when I insert a CD-R or CD-RW I get the message "Q is not accessible.
The device is not ready." I clicked on the device and tried to remove the
device and have Windows reinstall it, but I get the message "You selected a
device category. Device categories cannot be removed. Click the plus sign
next to the device category, and then click the device you want to remove."
I DID click on the plus sign next to the device category, and then click on
the device I want to remove.
I tried to use CTI CD-Maker 2000 Standard, which I used many times before.
It adds the file, then I go to "record". The drawer opens, and I get the
message "Please insert a recordable CD-R or CD-RW disc into the CD recorder."
The drawer closes, and the CD recorder light comes on briefly; and then
nothing happens.
How can I get my computer to recognize that there is a CD-R or CD-RW disc in
the drive?
I noticed that many people seem to be having the same problem, but none of
the suggestions seem to work. Someone suggested cleaning the drive. I tried,
but that disc is not recognized either.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I am using Windows 98.