Well, I figured out the problem. I would consider Apple iPod one of the most ethnocentric applications there is. It wants to be first to the extent that it disables most other things that play cds, etc. So, if you buy an iPod and Find that you can't run a CD without the iPod plugged in or you can't use Easy CD Creator, here is what you do in Windows XP. Go to the run dialog and type "msconfig." Back tab once until you get to a list of items that run at startup. The ones that are checked will run, and the ones that will not run will not. Tab to OK. You will have to reboot. It would appear that Apple decided to uncheck the Roxio setting that causes your disk drive recorder to work on its own. I would tell you the name of the item, but as it may differ with particular versions of your Roxio product, Roxio now distributes Easy CD Creator) I will just say that you should find an item that is Roxio and some other characters after Roxio. If it is unchecked, check it. That worked for me. Original message is below if you need it. Neal This may be a bit off topic, so read on if you're willing to help anyway. Thanks for those who answered my first question. Now I have a problem. I loaded the iPod software and now my CD drive doesn't register on my computer unless I have the iPod plugged in. That's not so bad, but here is the real kicker. When I tried to run Easy CD Creator, It came up with the iTunes application. When I alt tabbed back to easy CD Creator and tried to burn a CD, it said that no drivers for my CD recorder were found. Has anyone else had this problem? If so, what do you suggest? Again, thanks for your help. Neal